Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects 50% to 80% of people at some point in their lives. While it rarely causes illness in adults, it is a common congenital infection globally and babies born with CMV can experience brain, liver, lung, and growth problems. It also is a major cause of infant hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects and brain damage in the US, and antiviral treatment can help to improve the disease outcome for some infected infants.
Weill Cornell Medicine supports efforts aimed at increasing education of those expecting a child and the childcare provider workforce about CMV. Weill Cornell Medicine also supports efforts to expand the availability of testing for CMV for newborns.