When I first learned I was pregnant, my healthcare provider sat down with me to outline essential information for a healthy pregnancy. I was given a list of precautions—avoid alcohol, steer clear of smoking, skip the sushi, limit caffeine, and don’t consume cold cuts. She discussed the necessity of prenatal screenings and regular ultrasounds. However, there was one critical topic that was overlooked: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus is recognized as the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss among newborns in the United States, according to the National CMV Foundation.
Until quite recently, I had never encountered CMV in my discussions about pregnancy. This lack of awareness is common; a staggering 91 percent of women are unfamiliar with CMV, despite the fact that more than half of the global population has contracted it by age 40. The high prevalence of CMV, coupled with the general ignorance surrounding it, prompted Moderna to conduct a webinar aimed at increasing awareness.
Understanding CMV
CMV, or cytomegalovirus, is a virus that can infect individuals of all ages and remains in the body for life once contracted. Typically, it poses little threat to healthy individuals, who may exhibit no symptoms at all. If symptoms do arise, they are usually mild and resemble those of a common cold. However, for pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems, the virus can lead to serious complications. “In a nutshell, CMV is common and it is complicated,” explains Dr. Sarah Monroe, VP of Clinical Development at Moderna.
What is Congenital CMV?
When a baby is infected with CMV in the womb, it is referred to as Congenital CMV. This condition is the most common congenital viral infection in the U.S., affecting approximately 30,000 infants each year. While many babies born with Congenital CMV may appear healthy at birth, around 20 percent will face lasting health issues, leading to roughly 6,000 cases each year. Tragically, there are about 400 infant deaths annually linked to this infection, as stated by the National CMV Foundation.
Some potential complications associated with Congenital CMV include:
- Hearing loss (this is the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss)
- Vision impairment
- Cognitive disabilities
- Microcephaly (abnormally small head or brain)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination difficulties
- Cerebral Palsy
- Feeding challenges / Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Sleep and sensory issues
- Seizures
- Death (in rare cases)
How Can CMV Be Prevented?
Corinne Le Goff, Moderna’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step towards effective change.” Therefore, the initial step in preventing CMV is understanding its existence. In 2020, while there were over 400 million pregnancy-related searches, only three million involved CMV. This indicates that less than one percent of pregnancy inquiries pertained to this significant virus.
The next step is to educate yourself on protecting against CMV, especially if you are of childbearing age, currently pregnant, or planning to conceive. The National CMV Foundation serves as an invaluable resource, aiming to empower women to take charge of their health before CMV affects their lives and those of their families. Dr. Emily H. Wright, MD, a pediatrician and mother to a toddler diagnosed with congenital CMV, also advocates for educating healthcare providers about CMV.
The third preventive measure is to practice good hygiene, particularly for women with toddlers or those working in schools or daycare settings, where CMV is notably prevalent. In the U.S., nearly one in three children will contract CMV by age five, making hand hygiene crucial, as toddlers often show no symptoms. It is vital to wash hands after changing diapers, wiping a child’s mouth or nose, and handling toys or pacifiers. CMV spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, and breast milk, rather than through casual contact.
Awareness, education, and prevention are essential for current and future generations. Dr. Monroe highlights the importance of this issue, stating, “We owe it to future families to be aware of this disease.” While CMV may seem daunting, it is also preventable. Moderna is actively working on an mRNA vaccine to combat CMV infection, and until such a solution is available, staying informed remains crucial. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post here.
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In summary, understanding CMV is vital for pregnant individuals and those planning to conceive. By raising awareness and practicing preventive measures, we can help safeguard future generations from the risks associated with this common virus.
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