Early detection saves lives. Newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) allows babies affected by the virus to receive specialized care as soon as possible — often before symptoms appear. Most babies with cCMV look healthy at birth, but many can develop hearing loss, developmental delays, or other complications later in life. By including cCMV in routine newborn screening, we can identify these children early, connect families to vital medical and developmental services, and greatly improve long-term outcomes.
Most people have never heard of cCMV — yet it’s the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States. Educating pregnant people and those planning a pregnancy about how cCMV spreads and how to reduce their risk is a powerful form of prevention. Simple steps, like frequent hand washing and avoiding saliva contact from young children, can significantly lower the chance of infection during pregnancy. We advocate for public health campaigns and routine prenatal counseling so that every family has the information they need to protect their baby.
There is still so much to learn about cCMV — and more research is key to saving lives and improving care. Increased federal and state funding supports studies that help us understand how the virus affects babies, improve early diagnosis, develop better treatments, and discover ways to prevent transmission altogether. By investing in cCMV research, policymakers can help drive medical breakthroughs, reduce the lifelong impact of this infection, and support the thousands of families affected each year.
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent disease, and researchers are now developing promising mRNA vaccines to protect against cCMV. Supporting vaccine research and development is a critical step toward eliminating this infection and its devastating consequences. With proper funding and policy support, these vaccines could one day prevent cCMV before it ever reaches a baby — sparing countless children from hearing loss, disabilities, and other lifelong challenges.
