Resources
THE CAREGIVER
HANDBOOK
We’ve put together this handbook to offer answers to some of the questions you and your family might have right from the start.
Canadian newborns infected during pregnancy.
cases of cCMV result in lifelong disability.
women living with a child infected with CMV will develop the infection.
Remember to use soap and water for about 15 to 20 seconds, especially after spending time with young children or handling items like diapers, drool, or other bodily fluids. This practice is particularly important when little ones are attending childcare.
Instead of giving a kiss on the lips, opt for a kiss on the forehead instead. This is particularly important if you’re expecting.
When you’re disposing of diapers, tissues, or other items that might have bodily fluids, make sure not to touch your face until you’ve had a good handwashing session.
Avoid sharing glassware and kitchen utensils to prevent the spread of CMV. Keep things tidy by regularly cleaning toys and countertops. It’s a good practice to also regularly clean surfaces that come in contact with children’s urine or saliva.
The majority of babies with congenital CMV appear healthy when they’re born. However, babies with congenital CMV who exhibit illness at birth typically display noticeable signs and symptoms, including:
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Yellow skin and eyes
(jaundice)
Enlarged and poorly
functioning liver
Purple skin
splotches, or a rash,
or both
Abnormally small
head (microcephaly)
Enlarged spleen
Pneumonia
Seizures
We’ve put together this handbook to offer answers to some of the questions you and your family might have right from the start.
Designed for women of childbearing age and expectant parents, this guide covers what you need to know about CMV.
Universal newborn screening for congenital CMV is not yet available across Canada. Screening is determined by each province and territory, resulting in a patchwork of approaches. Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have implemented universal newborn screening, while Alberta is in the process of implementing a universal program. Several other provinces, including British Columbia, offer targeted screening for babies who fail their newborn hearing screen or are suspected of having congenital CMV. CMV Canada continues to advocate for equitable, universal newborn screening across the country so that every baby has the opportunity for early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
No. There is currently no approved vaccine to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). Researchers are actively developing and testing CMV vaccines with the goal of preventing CMV infection during pregnancy, which would reduce the risk of congenital CMV. Until a vaccine is available, the best way to lower the risk is through simple hygiene measures and increased awareness of CMV during pregnancy.
The prognosis for a baby with congenital CMV varies widely. Most babies with congenital CMV will have no long-term health problems. However, some may experience hearing loss, vision impairment, developmental delays, or other neurological complications. Early diagnosis, appropriate monitoring, and treatment when indicated can improve outcomes and help ensure children receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
Congenital CMV is often difficult to detect because most pregnant people who acquire CMV have no symptoms or only mild, non-specific symptoms. Routine prenatal screening for CMV is not currently recommended or offered in Canada, and many babies with congenital CMV also appear healthy at birth. As a result, CMV is frequently diagnosed only after a newborn hearing screen, symptoms develop, or targeted testing is performed.
Yes. Some babies with congenital CMV may benefit from antiviral treatment with ganciclovir (given intravenously) or valganciclovir (given by mouth), particularly those with moderate to severe symptoms or central nervous system involvement. When started early, treatment can improve hearing and developmental outcomes. Not all babies with congenital CMV require treatment, and decisions about treatment should be made in consultation with a pediatric infectious diseases specialist.
For some babies with congenital CMV, antiviral treatment with valganciclovir can improve hearing and developmental outcomes. Like all medications, it can cause side effects, the most common being a temporary decrease in white blood cells, which is why babies receiving treatment are monitored closely with regular blood tests. For infants who meet treatment criteria, the potential benefits often outweigh the risks, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a pediatric infectious diseases specialist.
Your contribution fuels progress in congenital CMV research, support, and advocacy. Join hands with us to amplify the impact of our initiatives and create a stronger, healthier future for every family affected by congenital CMV.
CMV Mission Possible is a yearly event that celebrates kids of all abilities as they work toward a personal goal. Whether it’s something creative, active, or unique, every effort counts. Once their goal is complete, they receive a certificate and a prize of their choice delivered to their door. It’s all about recognizing their hard […]
