Peter D. Newcomer Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, | U. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Peter D. Newcomer Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, | U. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
UW Health Kids experts in Madison, Wisconsin, are collaborating with state leaders to address congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), the most common viral infection among newborns in the United States. This initiative is part of efforts during Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.
Dr. Elizabeth Goetz, a pediatrician at UW Health Kids and medical director of the newborn nursery at UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital, highlights that cCMV is a prevalent cause of non-genetic hearing loss in the U.S. “If we can identify the virus earlier, we have lots of opportunities to intervene and provide support services and treatment,” said Goetz. She noted that while many people are familiar with Zika virus, cCMV remains lesser-known despite its higher prevalence.
Currently, Minnesota is the only state testing for cCMV in newborn hospital screenings. Dr. Julie Kessel, a neonatologist at UW Health Kids and UnityPoint Health – Meriter, explained that detecting cCMV during pregnancy requires an amniocentesis if ultrasound concerns arise. Signs after birth include smaller head size, low blood platelet levels, jaundice, or failed hearing tests.
“A small percentage of those newborns with no symptoms can go on to have hearing loss,” Kessel stated. Screenings could help identify these cases early.
The WiSPER project (Wisconsin Screening Prevention and Early Recognition) aims to develop best practices for managing cCMV in Wisconsin. Dr. Goetz emphasized the need for input from stakeholders to discuss screening practices and transmission reduction.
“It takes a lot of research and protocols to add another test to the newborn screening,” she remarked. New York and Connecticut have initiated pilot screening projects as well.
Raising awareness about preventive measures is also crucial. Goetz advised pregnant women with young children at home to avoid sharing food or utensils and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent transmission.
“Do not share food, utensils, drinks or straws...and practice excellent hand hygiene,” she recommended as simple yet effective preventive steps.
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