PREVENTING CONGENITAL CMV

PREVENTING CONGENITAL CMV (cytomegalovirus)

 Few women have heard of congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus) and more than half of OB/GYNs surveyed admitted they don't warn their patients about it. Women who have young children in daycare or work with young children in daycare are at an increased risk of contracting CMV and passing it on to their unborn child.

According to the CDC:

·        Every hour, congenital CMV causes one child to become disabled

·        Each year, about 30,000 children are born with congenital CMV infection

·        About 1 in 750 children is born with or develops permanent disabilities due to CMV

·        About 8,000 children each year suffer permanent disabilities caused by CMV

The CDC makes the following recommendations on simple steps you can take to avoid exposure to saliva and urine that might contain CMV:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after

·        Changing diapers

·        Feeding a young child

·        Wiping a young child’s nose or drool

·        Handling children’s toys

In addition:

·        Do not share food, drinks, or eating utensils used by young children

·        Do not put a child’s pacifier in your mouth

·        Do not share a toothbrush with a young child

·        Avoid contact with saliva when kissing a child

·        Clean toys, countertops, and other surfaces that come into contact with children’s urine or saliva

Congenital CMV prevention brochure:

 http://congenitalcmv.org/CDCbrochure.pdf

 

Prevent several disease related birth defects by reviewing: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pregnancy_gateway/infections.html