June 2024 is Arizona CMV AwarenessMonth
June 2024 is Arizona CMV Awareness Month
We are happy to announce that Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed June 2024 to be CMV Awareness Month in Arizona, for the fifth year in a row.
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 born 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, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim June 2024 as
ARIZONA CMV AWARENESS MONTH
How to support Arizona CMV Awareness Month
Get Social
Subscribe for updates and Follow @StopCMVAZ or @ProfMuldoon (Kathleen Muldoon) on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Follow us, like, share, and participate to #stopcmv.
CMV Awareness Profile Picture Frame
Search 'CMV Awareness Month' then select your frame
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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.
Support the Stop CMV Act!
The Stop CMV Act has been introduced in the US Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and in the US House by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Greg Landsman (D-OH). We are proud to announce that Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has co-sponsored the bill!
The bill authorizes funding to states for hospitals and other healthcare entities caring for infants to administer congenital CMV tests and encourages state healthcare agencies to prescribe standards and procedures for the administration of these tests. The bill also creates grant programs to provide funds to administer CMV tests, improve cCMV data collection systems, and assist in cCMV education and training. Lastly, the bill advances National Institutes of Health research for screening techniques, diagnostics, prevention, vaccines, and treatments.
Now it’s your turn to help! Please contact your Members of Congress using the template language on our blog!
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:
