DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2025 AS “NATIONAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) AWARENESS MONTH".

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Romer

Reps. K. Johnson, Ross Levin

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 17

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2025 AS “NATIONAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) AWARENESS MONTH".

WHEREAS,

Cytomegalovirus (referred to as “CMV”) is a common virus that infects people of all ages, with more than half of adults being infected by age 40 with no signs of symptoms; and

WHEREAS, congenital CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects and childhood disabilities in the United States, with approximately 1 in 200 children born with congenital CMV infection and

WHEREAS, approximately 1 in every 5 babies born with congenital CMV will have long-term health problems; and

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

WHEREAS, CMV is found in bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, blood, mucus, and tears; and

WHEREAS, congenital CMV can be diagnosed if the virus is found in urine, saliva, blood, or other body tissues of an infant during the first week after birth; and

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

WHEREAS, most people are not aware of their CMV infection status, with pregnant women being 1 of the highest risk groups; and

WHEREAS, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that OB/GYNs counsel women on basic prevention measures to guard against CMV infection; and

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

WHEREAS, a comprehensive understanding of CMV provides opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our children.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED t

hat the

House of Representatives of the 153

rd

General Assembly of the State of Delaware designates the month of June 2025 as “National Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month” in order to raise awareness of the dangers of Cytomegalovirus and reduce the occurrence of congenital CMV infection; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that more effort be taken to counsel women of childbearing age and those in close contact with infants to the effects the virus can have on infants and children including but not limited to education and informational resources on preventative measures available to health care providers, early care and education providers, women who may become pregnant, expectant parents, and parents, family and/or guardians of infants.

SYNOPSIS

This House resolution designates the month of June 2025 as “National Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month".