CMV is the most common infection passed from mother to unborn baby. It is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in children and one of the main causes of childhood disability. Sadly most mums to be and even some midwives have never heard of it.
The majority of babies born with congenital CMV will not have any symptoms at birth and will not suffer any long term problems. However, two or three babies are affected by the CMV virus every day in the UK – almost 1000 babies every year. Congenital CMV is more common than Down's Syndrome and causes more birth defects and childhood deaths than Toxoplasmosis (from cat poo) or Listeriosis (from soft cheese).
In the first 28 days of life, a baby can be treated with anti-viral medication. If babies are not diagnosed they miss this treatment opportunity to limit some of the long-term impacts of the virus.
CMV Action is a UK charity trying to spread awareness of this virus and also campaigning for screening - please if you can help us by signing the petition petition.parliament.uk/petitions/587186
If you have any questions about CMV check out our website or Facebook page - if you are pregnant you need to know about CMV