CMV Awareness Month 2026 - Geography Shouldn't Decide

Author: Megan Pesch, MD - Interim Executive Director

Every June, during Congenital CMV Awareness Month, we come together to raise awareness about a virus that far too many people still have never heard of — despite the fact that congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common congenital infection and a leading cause of childhood hearing loss and developmental disability.

But this year, our message is especially clear:

Geography shouldn’t decide who gets screened for cCMV. Geography shouldn’t decide who receives cCMV education. Geography shouldn’t decide which children are identified early and which families are left searching for answers.

Right now in the United States, whether a baby is screened for congenital CMV often depends entirely on where they are born. Some states have universal screening programs. Others screen only after a failed newborn hearing test. Many families receive no education about CMV at all during pregnancy, despite the availability of simple prevention strategies that may reduce risk.

This patchwork system creates inequities that affect real children and real families.

Early identification matters. Screening can help connect children to hearing monitoring, developmental supports, early intervention services, and medical care at the moments when those interventions can make the greatest difference. Education matters too — because families deserve access to information, not silence.

At the National CMV Foundation, we believe every family deserves the same opportunity for awareness, early detection, and informed care, regardless of ZIP code.

Throughout June, we invite you to join us as we work together to build that future.

This month, our community will come together through:

• Strides 4 CMV events across the country
• A special book launch and book talk
• Educational webinars featuring experts, advocates, and families
• New featured blog posts and family stories
• Social media campaigns sharing facts, lived experiences, advocacy opportunities, and hope

CMV Awareness Month is not only about raising awareness of a virus. It is about raising expectations for what families deserve.

We envision a future where:

• every pregnant person receives accurate CMV education,
• every newborn has equitable access to screening,
• every child with cCMV is connected to appropriate follow-up and support,
• and no family has to depend on luck, geography, or privilege to receive care.

Progress is happening because of families, clinicians, researchers, advocates, public health leaders, and partners who continue showing up, speaking out, and pushing forward together.

This June, we hope you’ll join us.

Share a post. Attend an event. Read a story. Start a conversation. Support a family. Contact a legislator. Help us spread awareness in your community.

Because geography shouldn’t decide.

Children deserve better. Families deserve better. And together, we can build a more equitable future for every child affected by congenital CMV.

Learn more and get involved with the National CMV Foundation.