CMV Awareness Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Diseases Educational
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every June
Holiday emoji:: 💜

CMV Awareness Month is observed throughout June to increase public understanding of congenital cytomegalovirus. This month highlights the virus’s potential effects on infants, including hearing loss and developmental delays. Learn about prevention strategies and advocate for early screening.

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Expected CMV Awareness Month Deals

Throughout June, CMV Awareness Month rallies support for research and education. Organizations like the National CMV Foundation partner with corporations for donation drives, matching gifts, and awareness campaigns. Expect to see special events, virtual walks, and merchandise sales where proceeds benefit CMV research. Many healthcare providers and public health departments will offer free educational materials and webinars for pregnant women and new parents. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and educational resources as June approaches.

Platform Guide for CMV Awareness Month

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CMVAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories and educational infographics to foster community support.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #CMVAwarenessMonth. Participate in live Q&A sessions with medical experts and share research updates.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CMVAwarenessMonth. Create visually engaging content like short videos explaining CMV prevention or testimonials from affected families.

CMV Awareness Month Hero

Dr. Thomas H. Weller

Dr. Thomas H. Weller (1915–2008) was an American virologist who, alongside Frederick C. Robbins and John F. Enders, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954 for their work on cultivating poliovirus. Weller later became known for his groundbreaking research on cytomegalovirus (CMV), successfully isolating the virus in human cell cultures in 1956. His work was crucial in understanding CMV's role in congenital infections and its impact on infant health, laying the foundation for future diagnostic and preventive strategies.

History of CMV Awareness Month

The origins of newborn screening can be traced to the 1950s and 1960s when Robert Guthrie pioneered a blood test (bacterial inhibition assay) to screen for phenylketonuria in newborn babies on the second day of life. In 1962, using funds from the Child Health Bureau, Guthrie began a pilot study in 29 states of the United States, enrolling 400,000 newborns. Because of the success of this study, many states began adopting newborn screening. By 1965, newborn screening for phenylketonuria had become mandatory in 27 states, with others giving public health departments the power to decide. In the 1970s, the testing for congenital hypothyroidism was included in newborn screening.

In the early 1990s, scientists introduced tandem mass spectrometry as more effective equipment for newborn screening. While as affordable as Guthrie’s bacterial inhibition assay, tandem mass spectrometry detected more disorders than previous techniques using a single drop of blood. The introduction of tandem mass spectrometry allowed an expansion in the number of disorders screened in various states. Over time, the technology began replacing Guthrie’s bacterial inhibition assay as the primary technique for newborn screening. However, the filter paper developed by Guthrie is still used today across the globe.

In March 2005, the American College of Medical Genetics released a report recommending that all states screen infants for 29 specific disorders — mainly using tandem mass spectrometry. On April 24, 2008, the administration of President George W. Bush introduced the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007. This act aimed to increase the awareness of screening newborns to identify specific disorders. In 2011, Congress passed a resolution, designating June as National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.

CMV Awareness Month timeline

1962

The Pilot Study for Bacterial Inhibition Assay

Robert Guthrie screens 400,000 babies across 27 states for newborn disorders.

1990s

A Newborn Screening Technique

Scientists introduce tandem mass spectrometry to detect more disorders than previous techniques.

2005

The Recommendation

The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that all states screen for 29 specific disorders.

2011

June Resolution

Congress passes the resolution to designate June as National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.

How Businesses Can Celebrate CMV Awareness Month

Local businesses can honor CMV Awareness Month by hosting educational workshops in partnership with local health organizations, focusing on maternal and child health. Pediatric clinics and OB/GYN offices can distribute informational brochures and display posters to educate expectant parents. Pharmacies might highlight products related to prenatal care and hygiene, while also offering a donation match to the National CMV Foundation. Restaurants could host ‘dine-to-donate’ events, contributing a portion of proceeds to CMV research.

CMV Awareness Month FAQs

When is CMV Awareness Month?

In 2027, CMV Awareness Month will again be observed throughout June, with a renewed focus on sharing the latest research and support resources. This annual observance is vital for ongoing public health efforts.

How common is congenital CMV?

Globally, congenital CMV is a significant public health concern, with estimates suggesting it affects about 0.2% to 2% of all live births. Awareness campaigns in 2027 continue to emphasize early detection and preventive measures for pregnant women.

What are the symptoms of congenital CMV?

For infants who do exhibit symptoms of congenital CMV, these can range from mild to severe, including jaundice, liver and spleen enlargement, and low birth weight. Continued monitoring and intervention are often necessary to support affected children.

Is there a vaccine for CMV?

While a CMV vaccine remains a high priority for public health, it is not yet available in 2027. Researchers continue to explore various vaccine candidates to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from this common virus.

How to Observe CMV Awareness Month

Share information about congenital cytomegalovirus
Sharing information is one of the easiest ways to make the most impact during National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month. You can share anything from details about the virus and facts, to signs, symptoms, and how to prevent transmitting it to unborn infants and children. Share the information on your social media pages, with colleagues at your workplace, or over coffee with friends and acquaintances.
Donate to charity
Another way to make the most impact is to donate to foundations and not-for-profit organizations focusing on congenital cytomegalovirus. By doing so, you can contribute to vaccine development, increase awareness and reduce the effects of the virus. One of such organizations you can donate to is the National CMV Foundation.
Organize an awareness program
If you are already a member of a C.M.V. organization or a health practitioner, you can organize activities or events during National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month to increase your impact. These could be public health forums, educational programs, or community outreach.

5 Worrying Facts About Cytomegalovirus

There is no vaccine
There is no vaccine to protect against cytomegalovirus.
It is widespread in the United States
One in 150 newborns has a cytomegalovirus infection.
It causes infant hearing loss
Congenital cytomegalovirus is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in babies.
It has possible life-long consequences
One in every five babies who do not show congenital cytomegalovirus signs suffers long-term health consequences.
It’s the most transmitted virus to newborns
Cytomegalovirus is the most common virus transmitted from pregnant women to unborn children.

Why CMV Awareness Month is Important

It reduces the transmission to unborn babies
National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month focuses on raising awareness and educating people about congenital cytomegalovirus. It gives pregnant women the opportunity to learn the importance of prenatal screening and the necessary steps they need to take to prevent transmitting the virus to their babies. Healthcare providers also learn about the disease, its symptoms, and how to educate their pregnant patients.
It allows for early detection
According to statistics, only 9% of women know about congenital cytomegalovirus. That means, by the time they detect the virus, it might already be too late for their babies. National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month not only spreads awareness about the virus; it also educates and encourages pregnant women and parents on early screening for early detection.
It minimizes the impact
During National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month, parents also learn the signs and symptoms of congenital cytomegalovirus. That knowledge helps parents and expecting mothers know what to look out for, and enables them to take the necessary action to mitigate the effect of the virus if detected in their infant.