June 2022 is Arizona CMV Awareness Month

June 2022 is Arizona CMV Awareness Month

We are happy to announce that Governor Douglas A. Ducey has proclaimed June 2022 to be CMV Awareness Month in Arizona.

On behalf of Stop CMV AZ, and our partner organizations across Arizona, we support this opportunity to raise awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) among healthcare providers, women of childbearing age, and parents. 

CMV is a common virus that is easily transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva (drool), urine (pee), mucus (snot), or tears. For most healthy adults, a CMV infection comes and goes with mild, if any, symptoms. However, if a woman catches CMV during pregnancy, her developing baby can also be infected. 

Congenital CMV (cCMV) is the most common viral cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. 

Each year, 1 in 200 babies is infected with CMV before birth. In Arizona, about 84,000 babies are born infected with cCMV each year. 1 in 5 of these infants will develop lifelong disabilities. 

We need your help to promote awareness, increase education, and make a difference. 

Because every pregnant woman is at risk for catching CMV. 

Because 400-600 babies are infected with cCMV in Arizona each year. 

Because more than 80 of these children will be permanently disabled.

Thank you for joining us to raise awareness of cCMV in Arizona! Stay tuned to our website and social channels for updates.


STATE OF ARIZONA PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection in the United States with about 1 in 200 children born with congenital CMV; and

WHEREAS, congenital CMV is the most common cause of birth defects in childhood disabilities in the United States, and 40 to 60% of infants born with signs of congenital CMV disease at birth will have long-term health problems; and

WHEREAS, congenital CMV is preventable with simple behavioral interventions while pregnant, such as practicing frequent hand washing with soap and water after contact with diapers and oral secretions, not kissing young children on the mouth, and not sharing utensils with young children, and

WHEREAS, most people are not aware of their CMV infection status, with pregnant women being one of the highest risk groups; and

WHEREAS, CMV infection is more common that the combined metabolic or endocrine disorders currently in the United States core newborn screening panel; and

WHEREAS, the incidence of children born with congenital CMV can be greatly reduced with public education and awareness.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as 

ARIZONA CMV AWARENESS MONTH


How to support Arizona CMV Awareness Month

 

SHOP CMV AZ

Click here to buy a T-shirt or drink container from us! 100% of profits will be used by Stop CMV AZ to increase awareness about congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), support the families impacted by cCMV, and advocate for those who need our voice in the state of Arizona.

 

Attend our Workshop on June 11

The goal of the Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV): What Health Care Providers Need To Know conference is to raise awareness of cCMV by presenting the latest research on diagnosis and treatment, delineate prevention efforts, provide information about early intervention options, and disseminate family support resources in an effort to reduce the disease burden of cCMV, and to connect families affected by CMV with the resources they need to provide the best outcomes for their children. The conference is $25 for healthcare providers (CME provided) and free for community members. Register today!

Get Social

Subscribe for updates and Follow @StopCMVAZ on Facebook, Instagram, or on Twitter @StopCMVAZ and @ProfMuldoon. Follow us, like, share, and participate to #stopcmv. 

 

CMV Awareness Profile Picture Frame


Share your CMV Story

One of the most effective and powerful ways to raise awareness is to share your story. You can read about other Arizona families who have shared their journeys with CMV here. To share your story, please contact us.


Join the cause to #screen4cmv 

StopCMV AZ supports universal newborn screening for cCMV. Screening every child for CMV at birth opens the door for identification, early intervention, child and family support, and better developmental outcomes. The National CMV Foundation is advocating for cCMV to be added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), a national recommendation that guides and supports states in the development of their newborn screening programs. Sign the petition today to show your support!

Why universal screening?

  • Congenital CMV is common – 1 in 200 babies are infected with congenital CMV, but most cases are not diagnosed.

  • cCMV is the leading viral cause of lifelong disabilities, including hearing loss, vision loss, physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.

  • Early detection and intervention improves outcomes for all infected infants.

  • cCMV is detectable at birth using simple, painless, and affordable screening tests.

  • It’s time to #screen4cmv


CMV Awareness Around the World

Stop CMV AZ joins with amazing partners around the world on a global campaign for CMV Awareness Month. Make sure to check out the incredible work being done by our friends at:

National CMV Foundation (US)

CMV Canada 

CMV Action (UK)

CMV Australia

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