National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month

112th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 215

Designating the month of June 2011 as `National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month'.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 23, 2011

Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself and Ms. MURKOWSKI) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

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RESOLUTION

Designating the month of June 2011 as `National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month'.

Whereas congenital Cytomegalovirus (referred to in this preamble as `CMV') is the most common congenital infection in the United States with 1 in 150 children born with congenital CMV;

Whereas congenital CMV is the most common cause of birth defects and childhood disabilities in the United States;

Whereas congenital CMV is preventable with behavioral interventions such as practicing frequent hand washing with soap and water after contact with diapers or oral secretions, not kissing young children on the mouth, and not sharing food, towels, or utensils with young children;

Whereas CMV is found in bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, blood, mucus, and tears;

Whereas congenital CMV can be diagnosed if the virus is found in urine, saliva, blood, or other body tissues of an infant during the first week after birth;

Whereas CMV infection is more common than the combined metabolic or endocrine disorders currently in the United States core newborn screening panel;

Whereas most people are not aware of their CMV infection status, with pregnant women being 1 of the highest risk groups;

Whereas the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that OB/GYNs counsel women on basic prevention measures to guard against CMV infection;

Whereas in 1999, the Institute of Medicine stated that development of a CMV vaccine was the highest priority for new vaccines;

Whereas the incidence of children born with congenital CMV can be greatly reduced with public education and awareness; and

Whereas a comprehensive understanding of CMV provides opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our children: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates the month of June 2011 as `National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month' in order to raise awareness of the dangers of Cytomegalovirus (`CMV') and reduce the occurrence of congenital CMV infection; and

(2) recommends that more effort be taken to counsel women of childbearing age of the effect this virus can have on their children.