What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (sigh-toe-mega-low-vie-russ)—commonly known as CMV—is a widespread virus in the same family as those that cause cold sores and chicken pox. Nearly 1 in 3 children in the United States have been infected by age five, and more than half of adults carry the virus by age 40. CMV stays in the body for life and can reactivate over time, and like the common cold, it’s possible to be infected more than once.
Advocacy Center
CMV affects an estimated 1 in 200 infants born in the United States and is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children. Identifying CMV within the first month of life is essential—early intervention supports language development and improves long-term outcomes. AAO-HNS advocates for universal newborn screening and prevention education to ensure pregnant women and families have the information they need to act early.
National CMV Awareness Month
CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States—yet most people have never heard of it. National CMV Awareness Month is your opportunity to learn what CMV is, how it spreads, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. Explore our resources to get the facts, understand the risk, and join the effort to raise awareness nationwide.
Contact Your State Representative!
Resources
Member Resources
Resource Library
- Tips for Preventing Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV)
- New Study Demonstrates Universal Newborn cCMV Screening Leads to Earlier Detection and Increased Identification of Mild Hearing Loss
- Study Reveals Critical Impact of Universal cCMV Screening on Early Detection of Hearing Loss in Newborns
- Social Media Toolkit
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