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On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., and other lawmakers introduced the Stop CMV Act, a bill aimed at increasing awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) and promoting early newborn screenings to enable timely treatment and intervention.

“Too many families are blindsided by Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) simply because it goes undetected,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to cosponsor the Stop CMV Act – a bipartisan bicameral effort that will invest in early screening and intervention to ensure every child has the best shot at a healthy future.” 

cCMV is a common virus that stays in the body for life and spreads through body fluids. The virus can lead to deafness, seizures, and other serious health problems in babies, and early screening can help reduce the risk of severe complications.

The Stop CMV Act provides funding to encourage hospitals and healthcare facilities to screen newborns for cCMV within the first 21 days of life. The legislation also supports data collection, research, education, and training for healthcare providers, families, and the public about the virus.