Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the leading viral cause of birth defects in children.  1 in every 200 babies will be born with cCMV.
 
It will cause more disabilities in children than many other well-known syndromes and infections, such as Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida, and HIV/AIDS. 
 
cCMV can cause life-long disabilities for the child, including microcephaly, liver and spleen issues, seizures, hearing loss, vision loss, and developmental delays. 
 
cCMV is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children.
 
Despite the high prevalence of congenital CMV, there is a low awareness among women of child-bearing age. 
 
Education about CMV combined with simple and easy prevention strategies, such as hand-washing and avoiding contact with saliva, can make a positive impact on pregnant women.  Education and prevention can help them avoid contracting the virus and passing it on to their unborn child.

The Washington CMV Project is a grass roots organization dedicated to raising awareness of cCMV and working toward better prenatal education and newborn CMV screening in Washington.  

By signing this petition, you are helping us make a difference in Washington by lending your voice to this important cause.