Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread virus that affects over half of adults by age 40. While it often does not present with symptoms in healthy individuals, it can be passed from a pregnant person to their baby, potentially leading to long-term conditions, such as hearing loss, developmental delays, vision loss and even cerebral palsy.
About 1-in-200 babies are born with congenital CMV (cCMV), and 1-in-5 of those may experience lasting health effects. On June 6, 2024, Washington State passed House Bill 5829, mandating the Department of Health to develop educational resources to help prevent cCMV — a common but often overlooked virus that can cause serious health issues in newborns. In response, the Early Hearing Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention (EHDDI) program released a one-page flyer and a comprehensive website to raise awareness and promote prevention strategies.
The new resources emphasize simple but effective prevention tips, such as:
- Avoiding sharing food, drinks or utensils with young children
- Not kissing children on the mouth
- Washing hands thoroughly after diaper changes, feeding or handling toys
These materials aim to empower pregnant individuals — especially those in frequent contact with young children, like parents, daycare workers and health care providers — to reduce their risk of CMV infection. (Trish Anderson)