The CDC Releases New CMV Materials

The CDC Releases New CMV Materials

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released two new resources for health care professionals about congenital CMV in June 2017, National CMV Awareness Month. The information sheets, produced and published by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), provide much needed information for healthcare providers who work with two distinct populations affected by congenital CMV—pregnant women and their newborns. 

“Identifying Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Early in Life: Information for Healthcare Providers” details the clinical manifestations of congenital CMV in the newborn, as well as suggested methods for congenital diagnosis and current treatment recommendations. “CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States,” the information sheet states. “Early diagnosis and treatment may improve health outcomes. Healthcare providers can play an important role by recognizing and diagnosing congenital CMV early, and helping infected infants get the treatment and care they need.”

“Talking with Pregnant Patients about CMV: A Resource for Healthcare Providers” targets obstetric healthcare providers and discusses CMV transmission during pregnancy, behaviors that may reduce a pregnant woman’s risk of contracting CMV, and outcomes of children born with congenital CMV. 

These resources will provide direction to congenital CMV education and screening programs that are being implemented across the United States. Advocates for increasing awareness for CMV appreciate this much-needed direction from the CDC. The recommendations for diagnosing infants and educating women will be especially useful for states that are implementing laws requiring CMV screening and education programs. 

Both information sheets can be downloaded (via right click) from this blog post and can also be found under “Resources for Healthcare Professionals” on the CDC’s CMV website:
https://www.cdc.gov/cmv/clinical/congenital-cmv.html