When I found out I was expecting my first child, my healthcare provider went over the essential guidelines for ensuring a healthy pregnancy. The list of things to avoid was extensive: no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, limit coffee intake, and steer clear of cold cuts. She covered prenatal tests and regular ultrasounds but failed to mention Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that poses serious risks for pregnant individuals. According to the National CMV Foundation, CMV is the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in newborns in the U.S.
Until recently, I had never heard of CMV. This lack of awareness is not uncommon; an overwhelming 91% of women are unfamiliar with CMV, even though over half of adults worldwide are infected by the age of 40. This combination of widespread infection and low awareness led Moderna to organize a webinar to increase understanding of CMV.
Understanding CMV
CMV is a widespread virus that can affect individuals of all ages and remains in the body for life after infection. Generally, it is harmless, with many healthy individuals experiencing no symptoms or only mild ones resembling a cold. However, for pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems, CMV can lead to severe complications. “Essentially, CMV is both common and complex,” explains Dr. Sarah Jensen, a specialist in infectious diseases at Moderna.
What is Congenital CMV?
When a baby is infected with CMV during pregnancy, it is referred to as Congenital CMV. It is the most common congenital viral infection in the United States, affecting around 30,000 children each year. Although many babies with congenital CMV appear healthy at birth, about 20% will develop long-term health issues, translating to roughly 6,000 affected children and nearly 400 infant fatalities annually, as reported by the National CMV Foundation.
Congenital CMV can result in various birth defects and developmental challenges, including:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause)
- Vision impairment
- Cognitive disabilities
- Microcephaly (abnormally small head)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination difficulties
- Cerebral palsy
- Feeding challenges and failure to thrive
- Behavioral or sensory issues
- Seizures
- In rare cases, death
How Can I Reduce the Risk of CMV?
Corinne Stevens, Chief Commercial Officer at Moderna, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step toward effective change.” Being informed about CMV is crucial, especially as, in 2020, out of over 400 million pregnancy-related searches, only three million mentioned CMV. This indicates that less than 1% of pregnancy inquiries were about the virus, despite its significant role in causing birth defects.
The next step is to educate yourself about how to shield yourself from CMV, especially if you are of childbearing age, pregnant, or planning to conceive. The National CMV Foundation offers valuable resources aimed at empowering women to manage their health proactively regarding CMV.
Dr. Emily Carter, a physician and mother of a toddler affected by congenital CMV, encourages women to discuss CMV with their healthcare providers.
To avoid CMV infection, maintaining good hygiene is vital, particularly for those with toddlers or who work in childcare settings. In the U.S., about one in three children will contract CMV by age five. Handwashing is crucial, especially after changing diapers or cleaning a child’s face, as CMV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and urine.
Raising awareness, educating others, and implementing preventive measures is essential for current and future generations. Dr. Jensen underscores the importance of this issue, stating, “We owe it to future families to recognize the significance of CMV.”
While CMV is both common and concerning, it is also preventable. Moderna is currently developing an mRNA vaccine targeting CMV infection, but until it becomes available, being informed is key. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. For further reading, check out this post on home insemination, and learn more about artificial insemination kits and their benefits. For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, visit WebMD for an excellent resource.
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In summary, CMV is a prevalent virus that can pose serious risks for pregnant individuals and their babies. Awareness and education about CMV can help reduce its impact. Good hygiene practices are essential in preventing CMV infection, especially for those around young children. As research continues, the hope is that future vaccines will help eliminate this risk.