As a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, I write to encourage you to support and become a co-sponsor of S.2842, the Stop CMV Act. Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) affects approximately 1 per every 200 births in the United States and is the most common cause of non-hereditary hearing loss. Infants are infected due to exposure of the mother who often is unaware they had CMV due to the mild, cold-like symptoms in adults. CMV is responsible for hearing loss in 1 in 5 children who have no other known risk factor or cause. Hearing loss related to CMV may not be present at birth, but rather delayed in onset and hence would be missed by newborn hearing screening and may fluctuate or progress during childhood.
The bipartisan Stop CMV Act authorizes new funding to incentivize hospitals and other health care facilities that care for children to screen babies for cCMV within the first 21 days after birth. The legislation also authorizes funding to collect data on cCMV and to encourage research, education, and training of health care providers, families, and the general public.
The impact of cCMV on infants and families is a significant problem. Having a federal supported screening program will ensure that those affected are able to access necessary medical care and interventions at an earlier date. Please consider supporting and co-sponsoring this legislation.
For more information on cCMV, visit www.acialliance.org/page/CMVandHearingLoss
Sincerely,
