MDH: Minnesota is first US state to screen all newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus
ST. PAUL, Minn. --History made in Minnesota: We're now the first state to screen all newborns for the most common congenital virus in the country.
This historic screening program for congenital cytomegalovirus, better known as cCMV, is all thanks to the efforts of parents who pushed for change.
"Pretty powerful moment today," said Leah Henrikson, whose daughter Vivian was diagnosed with CMV two days after birth.
The virus caused Vivian some hearing loss, but because of early detection, Vivian's speech development was so much better than it could have been.
BREAKING - Minnesota becomes the first state to screen all newborns for cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is the most common congenital viral infection at birth, commonly leading to hearing loss. By detecting early, it makes huge strides in child hearing and speech development #WCCO pic.twitter.com/pQk7eHt6NM
— Marielle Mohs (@MarielleMohs) February 8, 2023
"The whole health system really made sure that she didn't fall through the cracks, and she got the care that she needed and why she's doing so great today," said Henrikson.
Henrikson and several other moms gathered at the Mayo Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate their fight for CMV screenings in the legislature over the last 7 years. Last year, the legislation passed, and became known as "The Vivian Act."
"I think it's going to be great, so they don't have to get sick like me," said Vivian Hendrikson.
Today, a year later after The Vivian Act passed, the Minnesota Department of Health put this legislation into action.
"Now [CMV Screenings are] going to be statewide. Every hospital, every newborn will be tested for congenital CMV using that dried blood spot card," said Mark Schleiss, a professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
The CMV screening is a simple blood draw from the baby's heal within 24-48 hours after the baby is born. The dried blood samples help detect CMV even if symptoms are not showing after birth.
MDH says 91% of women are unaware of this virus ahead of pregnancy.
"Knowledge is power. You can't treat what you don't know. You can't prevent what you don't know exists," said Henrikson.
While preventing CMV is difficult, you can reduce your risk of transmission. You can find more information by clicking here.