CMV Awareness: Family Stories & Facts

Between 50 percent and 80 percent of adults in the United States have had a CMV (Cytomegalovirus) infection by age 40. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life. CMV is spread through close contact with body fluids. Most people with CMV don't get sick and don't know that they've been infected. (https://medlineplus.gov/)

CMV affects 1 in every 200 babies born. The symptoms range from completely asymptomatic to severe. It is the most common non-genetic cause of hearing loss at birth and unfortunately often contributes to progressive hearing loss. Many babies are born with no (or missed symptoms), but may later develop hearing loss or have other development issues. Pregnant women should take appropriate precautions to reduce their risk. 

June is CMV awareness month. Guests Ellie Pryor and Cara Gluck share their personal stories of giving birth to their children whom received a diagnosis of CMV and what they would like other families to know about this common virus.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

www.oklahomafamilynetwork.org

https://www.nationalcmv.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/oklahomafamilynetwork/