During my first pregnancy, my doctor provided me with a list of essential guidelines to ensure a healthy journey. The focus was mainly on what to avoid: no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, limited coffee, and steer clear of cold cuts. She explained the importance of prenatal screenings and regular ultrasounds. However, there was one critical topic she overlooked: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is recognized as “the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in infants born in the United States,” according to the National CMV Foundation.
Surprisingly, I had never heard of CMV until recently. This lack of awareness is common—91% of women are unaware of CMV, even though over half of the global population becomes infected with CMV by the time they reach 40. The widespread nature of CMV, combined with its relative obscurity, led Moderna to host a webinar to raise awareness about the virus.
Understanding CMV
CMV is a widespread virus that can affect individuals of any age and remains in the body for life after initial infection. Generally, it poses little threat to healthy individuals, who often experience no symptoms or mild cold-like symptoms. However, for pregnant individuals and those with compromised immune systems, CMV can lead to severe complications. “In short, CMV is both common and complex,” notes Dr. Sarah Thompson, VP of Clinical Development at Moderna.
What is Congenital CMV?
When a baby is infected with CMV during pregnancy and is born with the virus, it is termed Congenital CMV. This condition is the most common congenital viral infection in the U.S., impacting around 30,000 children each year. While many newborns with congenital CMV appear healthy, approximately 20% will face permanent health issues, including roughly 6,000 cases of developmental disabilities and 400 infant deaths annually, as reported by the National CMV Foundation.
According to the foundation, congenital CMV can result in various birth defects and developmental challenges, such as:
- Hearing loss (it is the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss)
- Vision impairment
- Mental disabilities
- Microcephaly (abnormally small head)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination issues
- Cerebral Palsy
- Feeding difficulties and Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Sleep, behavior, and sensory problems
- Seizures
- Rarely, death
Steps to Prevent CMV
Corinne Le Goff, Moderna’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.” Thus, recognizing the existence of CMV is crucial. In 2020, over 400 million pregnancy-related searches were conducted, but only three million were about CMV—less than one percent of inquiries regarding pregnancy focused on the leading cause of birth defects in the U.S.
The next step involves educating yourself on how to guard against CMV, especially if you’re of childbearing age, currently pregnant, or planning for a baby. The National CMV Foundation is an excellent resource dedicated to “empowering women to take charge of their health before CMV impacts their lives and their families,” according to Khaliah Fleming, MPH, MCHES, Executive Director of the foundation. Dr. Megan H. Pesch, MD, MS, FAAP, the President Elect of the National CMV Foundation, also encourages women to inform their healthcare providers about CMV.
Another critical step in preventing CMV infection is practicing good hygiene, particularly for those with toddlers or who work in childcare settings. In the U.S., nearly one in three children contracts CMV by age five. Handwashing is vital, especially after changing diapers, wiping a child’s face, or handling their toys or pacifiers. CMV is not spread through casual contact but is most often transmitted via direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Raising awareness, educating oneself, and implementing preventive measures are essential for current and future generations. Dr. Thompson stressed this point: “We owe it to future families to be aware of this issue and disease.”
While CMV can be alarming, it is preventable. Moderna is currently developing an mRNA vaccine aimed at preventing CMV infection, which could one day lead to its elimination. Until such a vaccine is available, staying informed is paramount. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.
For more insightful articles, check out our post on horror photography here, or visit intracervicalinsemination.com for expert resources on CMV and its implications.
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Summary:
CMV is a prevalent virus that poses significant risks, particularly to pregnant individuals. Awareness and education about CMV can lead to better preventive measures and health outcomes for infants. Understanding the implications of congenital CMV is crucial for expecting parents, and practicing good hygiene can help mitigate risks. With ongoing research and potential vaccines, the hope is to eliminate CMV’s impact on future generations.