CMV Disease: The Congenital Disease Mothers Don’t Know About

The Impact of CMV Infection

CMV is the most common congenital (present at birth) viral infection in the U.S. Each year, about 5,500 (1 in 750) children in this country are born with or develop disabilities that result from congenital CMV infection. More children have disabilities due to this disease than other well-known congenital infections and syndromes, including Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, spina bifida, and pediatric HIV/AIDS.

Babies with congenital CMV infection may develop hearing or vision loss, mental disability, liver problems, or growth problems. About half of infants with symptoms of congenital CMV infection will develop permanent health problems within the first few years of life…

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