As a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, I write to encourage you to support and become a co-sponsor of S.1573 and H.4367, An Act Relating to Congenital Cytomegalovirus. 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. 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 Massachusetts cCMV Bills would: mandate universal cCMV screening for all newborns born in Massachusetts, allowing for timely diagnosis and early interventions; require prenatal education on cCMV and prevention, helping reduce the number of pregnant patients who contract the virus and pass it to their child, and; mandate reporting of cCMV incidence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, improving data collection and providing a clearer picture of disease prevalence statewide.

The impact of cCMV on infants and families is a significant problem. Having a Commonwealth of Massachusetts supported cCMV program will ensure that those affected are able to access necessary medical care and early interventions. Please consider supporting and co-sponsoring this legislation.