Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV)

Overview

In 2023, Minnesota became the first state in nation to screen every newborn for Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). (Vivian Act). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States nearly 1 in 3 children have been infected with CMV by age 5 years, and over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Pregnant people who develop an active CMV infection can unknowingly pass the virus to their growing fetus. When a baby is born with CMV infection, it is called congenital CMV (cCMV).

• 1 out of every 200 babies is born with cCMV
• cCMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States
• 1 out of every 5 babies with cCMV will be born with or develop long-term health concerns
• cCMV is the most common cause of nonhereditary hearing loss in childhood
• In the most severe cases, cCMV can cause pregnancy loss or infant death

Babies with signs of cCMV at birth are at greater risk of developing long-term health concerns, including:

• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Visual impairment
• Developmental delay
• Motor delays

cCMV resource website links:

• Minnesota Department of Health Cytomegalovirus and Congenital Cytomegalovirus
• Minnesota’s The Vivian Act
• University of Minnesota Pediatric Infectious Diseases CMV
• National CMV Foundation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection

cCMV resources to learn more:

• Remedies for Sorrow Book Study
  (Created 2023). This book study was created with the purpose of supporting educational practitioners in Minnesota to learn more about congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) and its impact on children and families. It includes reflection prompts, resources to support early intervention providers, and highlights quotes and facts. You could choose to use this book study for individual reflection or as a guide for group reflection and discussion.

• Webinar: All Hands on Deck! Supporting the Development of Children with Congenital CMV
  YouTube recording: 59.24 minutes, seconds. PDF full-slides presentation

  This webinar is a 1-hour introduction to congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV), presented by Dr. Megan Pesch. Dr. Pesch discusses potential impacts on the health and development of affected infants and children, while highlighting prevention strategies for educational and childcare professionals.

• Webinar: All Aboard! Impacts of Congenital CMV in Early Childhood Special Education in Minnesota
  YouTube recording: 59:06 minutes, seconds. PDF full-slides presentation

  This webinar is a 1-hour presentation by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Low Incidence Projects Statewide Specialists. It provides a review of congenital CMV and screening in Minnesota, resources to support early educators working with children who have congenital CMV and their families, and strategies to promote early intervention recommended practices.

• Minnesota CMV Webinars Question and Answer (Q & A) document (cCMV)

Contact Information

Jess Moen, Statewide Specialist Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Specialist
Minnesota Low Incidence Projects
612-638-1508, jess.moen@brightworksmn.org

Kelly Bredeken, Ed. S., Statewide Physical/Health Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist
Minnesota Low Incidence Projects
612-638-1506, kelly.bredeken@brightworksmn.org

Ann Mayes, Statewide DeafBlind Specialist
612-638-1527, ann.mayes@brightworksmn.org