Minnesota Low Incidence Projects logo

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV)

Overview

In 2023, Minnesota became the first state in nation to screen every newborn for Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). (Vivian Act). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States nearly 1 in 3 children have been infected with CMV by age 5 years, and over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Pregnant people who develop an active CMV infection can unknowingly pass the virus to their growing fetus. When a baby is born with CMV infection, it is called congenital CMV (cCMV).

  • 1 out of every 200 babies is born with cCMV
  • cCMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States
  • 1 out of every 5 babies with cCMV will be born with or develop long-term health concerns
  • cCMV is the most common cause of nonhereditary hearing loss in childhood
  • In the most severe cases, cCMV can cause pregnancy loss or infant death

Babies with signs of cCMV at birth are at greater risk of developing long-term health concerns, including:

  • Hearing loss
  • Seizures
  • Visual impairment
  • Developmental delay
  • Motor delays

cCMV resource website links:

cCMV resources to learn more:

Contact Information

Jess Moen, Statewide Specialist Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Specialist
Minnesota Low Incidence Projects
612-638-1508, jess.moen@brightworksmn.org

Kelly Bredeken, Ed. S., Statewide Physical/Health Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist
Minnesota Low Incidence Projects
612-638-1506, kelly.bredeken@brightworksmn.org

Ann Mayes, Statewide DeafBlind Specialist
612-638-1527, ann.mayes@brightworksmn.org

Judy Wolff Library

Library Materials are available September through June for Minnesota Educators and Minnesota residents only.
Reserve Library Items

Events & Registration

View all events offered by BrightWorks and register on our Events & Registration page.
Register for an Event