Help reduce transmission of the #1 infectious cause of birth defects worldwide

Do you have a child up to and including 36 months of age in an early education and care center in the Worcester or Cambridge areas of Massachusetts?

 
 

What is cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common prenatal infection. CMV can cause a range of major health problems in newborns. Pregnant people who are exposed to large groups of young children like childcare or preschools are at high risk for CMV infection and need to take precautions.

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CMV by the numbers

more than91%
of women do not know about CMV or how it can affect babies before birth.
about1/200
babies is born with cCMV infection.
about30,000
babies are born with cCMV every year in the U.S.
about10-15%
of babies with cCMV have health problems at birth.
about15%
of babies with cCMV appear normal at birth and develop health problems later.
nearly1/5
babies with cCMV have permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, or delays in development.
approx.ONE
child is permanently disabled by cCMV every hour.
around400
babies die of cCMV every year.
References:

What is this study about?

Researchers want to study how cytomegalovirus (CMV) spreads among young children in early education and care centers. Results of the study may help decrease CMV spread from these children to pregnant people caring for them.

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How do I reduce my risk of contracting CMV?

If you are pregnant, you can help protect your unborn baby from cCMV by avoiding contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children.

kiss
Avoid kissing a child on the lips or cheek. Instead, kiss the top of their head, blow a kiss, or give them a hug.
kiss
Do not share food, utensils, drinks, straws, pacifiers, or toothbrushes with a child.
sparkling hands
Wash your hands after changing diapers, wiping a child’s face, feeding a child, or handling toys.
disinfectant
Disinfect toys, countertops, and any other surfaces that might come in contact with a child’s urine or saliva.

How can I help?

Join the study by following the steps below:

Step 1

Take the online eligibility assessment.

Step 2

Complete the online consent and surveys.

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Step 3

Allow your child to provide a saliva sample.

test tube