This June is National CMV Awareness Month

Let's Talk About CMV

This June, join us in recognizing CMV Awareness Month and help raise awareness about congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can have serious impacts when passed from a pregnant person to their baby. Together, we can help improve the health and outcomes of individuals and families affected by CMV and expand access to education, prevention strategies, and support.

This month is an opportunity to shine a light on efforts within the CMV and maternal–child health community that:

Promote healthy pregnancies through CMV education and prevention
Highlight practical ways to reduce the risk of CMV transmission during pregnancy
Share resources and support services available to families nationwide
Champions for the health and well-being of children and families affected by congenital CMV across the lifespan

As a public health community, we acknowledge that not all cases of congenital CMV can be prevented. However, we also know that simple, evidence-based behaviors before and during pregnancy—such as proper hand hygiene and avoiding contact with saliva and urine from young children—can significantly reduce the risk of CMV infection. By promoting awareness and healthy choices, we aim to support safer pregnancies and reduce the impact of congenital CMV.

Please see the sections below for the 2026 CMV Awareness Month Toolkit.

What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common virus that infects people of all ages. Most healthy adults and children who get CMV have mild symptoms or none at all and may not even know they were infected. Once a person has CMV, the virus stays in their body for life and can become active again later without causing illness.

What is Congenital CMV?

Congenital CMV occurs when a pregnant person passes the virus to their baby before birth. It is the most common congenital infection in the United States. Some babies born with congenital CMV show no symptoms, while others may develop hearing loss, vision problems, developmental delays, or other long-term health challenges. Because many effects of congenital CMV may not appear until later in childhood, awareness, screening, and early intervention are critical.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going with

Our Upcoming Events

CMV 101 with Dr. Sonja Rasmussen

Time: Tuesday, June 16^th from 12pm to 1pm CST

Most people haven’t heard of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), yet it remains the leading infectious cause of birth defects worldwide. On Tuesday, June 16th (12 PM – 1 PM CST), join renowned expert Dr. Sonja Rasmussen for an essential deep dive into CMV as a critical public health priority. This session goes beyond the statistics to explore how CMV impacts pregnancy and fetal development. You will walk away with a clear understanding of how the virus spreads and, most importantly, the evidence-based methods for risk reduction. Don't miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge that can change outcomes.

Click to Register Now!

CMV Parent Panel

Time: Tuesday, June 23^rd from 12pm to 1pm CST

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, June 23^rd (12 PM - 1PM CST) for a special storytelling event featuring parents from different regions of the country. Because every cCMV journey is unique, this session offers a view of the emotional and practical impact on the family. Whether you are a fellow parent, a health professional, or an advocate, you’ll hear a range of lived experiences and walk away with a deeper understanding of the diverse paths these families walk.

Click to Register Now!

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SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTIONS (BY PLATFORM):

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· June is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month. CMV is a common virus that most people have never heard of, but it’s the leading infectious cause of birth defects and childhood hearing loss in the United States. This month, we’re sharing information, resources, and real stories to help more families and providers recognize CMV and its impact. Follow along and help spread awareness by visiting www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· It’s CMV Awareness Month Many people don’t know about Cytomegalovirus until it affects someone they love. Awareness can make a difference. This June, we’re:

o Sharing fast facts

o Highlighting family experiences

o Talking about risk reduction during pregnancy

o Hosting learning opportunities Learn more at www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Most CMV infections show no symptoms, yet CMV can have lifelong impacts when passed to an unborn during pregnancy. Understanding the basics is a powerful first step toward reducing risk, early identification, and support. This CMV awareness month, save this post or share it with someone who might not have heard of CMV before. Plus, learn more about this common infection at www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· A few actions can help reduce the risk of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy. Habits like handwashing and avoiding contact with saliva from young children can lower the chance of infection. Learn more at www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· This June, let’s talk about CMV. Behind every statistic is a real family with a story to tell. These voices highlight the experiences, challenges, and resilience of families impacted by congenital CMV. To hear more stories from families, register to attend a virtual parent panel on June 23rd at 12pm CST by visiting www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

Twitter / X

· June is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month. CMV is common but often unknown and is the leading infectious cause of birth defects and childhood hearing loss in the U.S. Learn more and follow along: www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· It’s CMV Awareness Month Many people don’t know about Cytomegalovirus until it affects someone they love. This June we’re sharing facts, family stories, risk reduction info, and learning opportunities. Learn more: www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Most CMV infections show no symptoms, but when passed during pregnancy, CMV can have lifelong impacts. Understanding the basics helps with risk reduction and early identification. Learn more: www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Simple habits like handwashing and avoiding contact with saliva from young children can help reduce the risk of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy. Learn more: www.nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· This June, let’s talk about CMV. Behind every statistic is a real family story. Hear directly from parents at our virtual panel on June 23rd at 12pm CST. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c7aMdwSWQ8uAO-mD3GQ9UA #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

Event reminders

· Join us for “CMV 101” with Dr. Sonja Rasmussen! This session will cover the basics of Cytomegalovirus, including how it spreads, potential impacts, and why awareness matters.

Date: Tuesday, June 16th Time: 12pm CST Virtual

Click to register here. #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Reminder: “CMV 101” is coming up next week on June 16th at 12pm CST! Join Dr. Rasmussen for an overview of Cytomegalovirus and why increasing awareness is so important. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ubDDyFWvTJOTACJSgt3TFw #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Join us for a virtual parent panel featuring families affected by Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Hear directly from four parents as they share their experiences, challenges, and insights.

Date: June 23rd Time: 12pm CST Virtual

Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c7aMdwSWQ8uAO-mD3GQ9UA #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Reminder: a virtual CMV parent panel is coming up next week on June 23rd at 12pm CST! Join Hear from four parents of children with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) as they share their stories and perspectives. Visithttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c7aMdwSWQ8uAO-mD3GQ9UA to register! #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Join us for “CMV 101” with Sonja Rasmussen Learn how Cytomegalovirus spreads, its impacts, and why awareness matters. June 16th 12pm CST Virtual Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ubDDyFWvTJOTACJSgt3TFw #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Reminder: “CMV 101” is next week! Join Sonja Rasmussen for an overview of Cytomegalovirus and why awareness matters. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ubDDyFWvTJOTACJSgt3TFw #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Join our virtual parent panel on Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Hear from four parents sharing their experiences and insights. June 23rd 12pm CST Virtual Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c7aMdwSWQ8uAO-mD3GQ9UA #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth

· Reminder: CMV parent panel next week on June 23rd at 12pm CST! Hear from four parents of children with Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c7aMdwSWQ8uAO-mD3GQ9UA #LetsTalkAboutCMV #CMVAwarenessMonth