House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

A little-known virus that infects over half of all adults by age 40 is also the most common congenital infection in the United States. Many pregnant mothers who contract the virus pass it to their babies without ever showing any symptoms.

It is called cytomegalovirus, or CMV, and it affects approximately 30,000 babies annually. Of babies born with congenital CMV, 1 in 5 will develop permanent problems such as hearing loss, vision loss, or developmental disabilities and an estimated 400 die. This means that CMV causes more long-term health problems and childhood deaths than more well-known conditions like Down Syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and spina bifida. 

Because CMV is a serious public health issue, I ask that you join me in designating June 2019 as “Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Together we can help to increase awareness of the risks of CMV and how to prevent the spread of this disease. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.