PRomoting hEalthy Pregnancies

Cytomegalovirus (si-to-MEG-a-lo-vi-rus) (CMV) is a common virus found throughout the world and affects people of all ages.  A CMV infection is often "silent," meaning there are no  signs or symptoms, and leads to no long-term consequences for the majority of those infected.  However, when an infant is born with a CMV infection (this is called congenital CMV infection) there is a different story.  

An estimated 30,000 to 50,000 infants are born each year in the United States with a congenital CMV infection.  The majority will have no symptoms;  however, 10-15 out of every 100 will develop significant problems as a result of their infection.  Development of hearing loss is the most common concern.  Even though hearing may be normal at birth, hearing loss due to congenital CMV infection can develop later in childhood.  Infected children may also develop neuromuscular disorders, developmental disabilities, and visual impairment as a result of their infection.   


For more information on CMV, please download the following brochure and watch the video below:

Have You Heard of CMV?

UAB Pregnancy PREP Study from UAB School of Medicine on Vimeo.