Table 2 CMV messages tested during Phase 2, by communication concept

Communication Concept 1: CMV is severe.

 1. Some babies born with congenital CMV develop disabilities such as hearing loss, vision loss, or mental disability.

 2. Congenital CMV is one of the most common causes of birth defects.

 3. Mark was born with congenital CMV. By nine months old he still could not crawl and did not respond to his name. We had his hearing checked and found out that he had some hearing loss in both ears. As he grew older, Mark also had some trouble walking. Despite these problems, he is now a happy eight year old boy who loves to play video games and laugh.

Communication Concept 2: CMV is common.

4. 1 in 750 babies has a disability due to congenital CMV.

5. Each year 5500 babies develop disabilities due to CMV.

6. Congenital CMV causes as much disability in children as Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, or spina bifida.

Communication Concept 3: CMV is preventable.

7. Congenital CMV is preventable.

8. A pregnant woman can prevent transmission of CMV by washing hands often and trying to avoid getting a young child’s urine or saliva in her eyes, nose, or mouth.

9. Prevent CMV infection when you are pregnant by:

  • Not putting things in your mouth that have just been in a child’s mouth. For example: food, cups or silverware, toothbrush, pacifier.

  • Trying to avoid getting saliva in your mouth when kissing a child. You can do this by kissing on the cheek or forehead instead of the lips.

  • Washing your hands after touching a child’s urine or saliva.