Hearing loss in children with congenital CMV can be present at birth or develop later.  An estimated 15%-20% of all cases of moderate to profound hearing loss among children is due to congenital CMV. About 1 in 7 babies born with CMV infection (about 15%) may develop hearing loss before 5 years of age even though they have no noticeable signs at birth. Identifying these children is one major reason that early care and education pro grams

	NATIONAL CMV FOUNDATION

need to provide quality hearing scr eening throughout early childhood.

 

In addition, programs can help to prevent hearing loss and other disabilities by sharing important information with women of child-bearing age on how to minimize  exposure to CMV during pregnancy.  Women working in early care and education settings, and the women they interact with as a part of serving children and  families, will all benefit from understanding how a common virus that does not present a threat to healthy adults or children can harm an unborn child.

CMV is very common in the general population and up to 70% of children under 3 years of age may carry it. Healthy children who acquire CMV from their peers will not suffer any negative consequence such as hearing loss. The danger is when pregnant women contract the virus and it is passed through the placenta to the developing baby. A developing baby's exposure to CMV in utero can result in a range of disabilities. Pregnant women who care for young children, either at home or in workplace settings, are particularly at risk for being exposed to CMV through contact with an infected child's saliva or urine.   

 

Fortunately, there are simple things that women can do to minimize their risk of contracting CMV. As outlined by the National CMV Foundation, taking these simple precautions will reduce the transmission of the virus and thereby increase women's chances of having a healthy baby:

• Wash Your Hands.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after the following activities:   

• Wiping a young child's nose or drool
• Changing diapers
• Feeding a young child
• Handling children's toys

• Do Not Share Food, Utensils, Drinks or Straws. Saliva may remain on food, cups or cutlery and could transfer a CMV infection to you and your unborn baby. Although it may be easier to feed your child from your own plate or you do not want to waste remaining food from your child's plate, it is best not to share food or cutlery.