CMV is a common virus that can infect people of all ages, causing no signs/symptoms. If a pregnant woman catches the virus it can be passed on to her unborn baby. Around 1:200 babies are born with CMV, many with no symptoms at birth, and may go on to develop hearing loss or developmental problems.
CMV is the leading cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss and in the first 28 days of life, a baby can be treated with anti-viral medication. If babies are not diagnosed they miss this treatment opportunity to limit some of the long-term impacts of the virus.
A recent report concluded that congenital CMV costs the economy £750 million a year. Newborn screening would quickly identify those who need to be treated and monitored, saving on these costs and untold heartache to families.