When I learned I was expecting my first child, my healthcare provider took the time to explain essential guidelines for a healthy pregnancy. I was informed about the things to avoid—alcohol, smoking, sushi, excessive caffeine, and cold cuts. She went over the necessary prenatal tests and ultrasounds. However, one critical topic was overlooked: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). According to the National CMV Foundation, this virus is the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in infants born in the United States.
Surprisingly, I had never heard of CMV until recently. It’s not unusual; 91% of women are unaware of it, even though over half of the population is infected by the time they reach 40. This combination of high prevalence and low awareness prompted Moderna to hold a webinar to educate the public about CMV.
Understanding CMV
CMV is a virus that can infect individuals regardless of age and remains in the body for life once contracted. While it is typically harmless to healthy individuals, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems face significant risks. “CMV is common and it is complicated,” says Dr. Lucy Hargrove, VP of Clinical Development at Moderna.
What is Congenital CMV?
When a baby is infected with CMV during pregnancy, it’s referred to as Congenital CMV, the most common congenital viral infection in the U.S., affecting around 30,000 children annually. Although many babies born with this condition seem healthy at birth, approximately 20% will develop lasting health issues—around 6,000 children each year, with about 400 infant deaths annually, as reported by the National CMV Foundation.
Some potential complications and disabilities associated with congenital CMV include:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause)
- Vision impairment
- Intellectual disabilities
- Microcephaly (small head or brain)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination issues
- Cerebral Palsy
- Feeding difficulties / Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Sleep, behavioral, and sensory problems
- Seizures
- Rarely, death
How Can You Prevent CMV?
Corinne Le Goff, Moderna’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes that awareness is the first step towards meaningful change. To guard against CMV, knowing it exists is crucial. In 2020, there were over 400 million pregnancy-related searches, but only three million mentioned CMV, indicating a significant gap in awareness.
Next, it’s vital to educate yourself on how to protect against CMV, particularly if you are of childbearing age, pregnant, or planning to conceive. The National CMV Foundation offers excellent resources aimed at empowering women to manage their health before CMV affects them or their families. Dr. Anna Goldstein, MD, a member of the National CMV Foundation, also encourages women to inform their healthcare providers about CMV.
Another key preventive measure is practicing good hygiene, especially for those with toddlers or working in educational settings. In the U.S., nearly one in three children contract CMV by age five. Proper handwashing after changing diapers, cleaning a child’s face, or handling toys is essential, as the virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Awareness, education, and preventive actions are vital for current and future generations. Dr. Hargrove states, “We owe it to future families to be aware of this issue and this disease.” While CMV is common and concerning, it is also preventable. Moderna is developing an mRNA vaccine to combat CMV, a promising advance in the fight against this virus. Until then, staying informed is crucial. Remember, knowledge is power.
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Summary:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent virus that poses significant risks, particularly for pregnant individuals. Despite its commonality, many remain unaware of its potential impact on fetal health. Congenital CMV can lead to serious health complications in newborns. Awareness, education, and hygiene practices are essential in preventing CMV infections. As research advances, future solutions may emerge to combat this virus effectively.