Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus, that is usually harmless in healthy adults and children. However, a pregnant woman that is infected can pass the virus to her infant which can lead to birth defects or other long term health problems. CMV that is passed from an infected mother to an infant during pregnancy is known as congenital CMV (cCMV). It is one of the most common infectious causes of birth defects in the United States and has been identified as an emerging threat by CDC’s Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET).
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Overview
This toolkit provides shareable educational resources on congenital CMV including downloadable materials and social media graphics for both clinicians and families. These resources were developed in collaboration with AAP state chapters and local health departments as part of a CDC-funded project addressing emerging health threats affecting infants, children and families. Additional information about participating states and the CDC’s Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET) can be found in the partner resources section below.
Clinician and Family Educational Resources
Clinical Resources
Access downloadable resources for pediatric and family clinicians including tip sheets, FAQ, worksheets and more.
Social Media
Access social media graphics for clinicians and families on congenital CMV, including screening, testing and risk reduction.
AAP Red Book
Access AAP’s redbook online for downloadable resources to address congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) in your practice. (log in required)
Family Resources
Access downloadable educational resources to share with families in your practice and community.
HealthyChildren.org
Access downloadable and shareable articles for families to increase awareness and education on congenital CMV.
Partner and Support Organization Resources
CMV Fact Sheet for Pregnant Women and Parents
Access the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention downloadable CMV fact sheet that can be shared with women and families in your practice.
Compassionate Conversations: Congenital Cytomegalovirus
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Compassionate Conversations episode on cCMV provides a patient centered discussion resource to aid healthcare professionals support their patients.
AAP Chapter Resources
Access local and state specific resources from AAP chapters on congenital CMV. Including resources developed from the Colorado, Iowa and Pennsylvania chapters work with local health departments sites to address congenital CMV in their states.
ACOG Explains: Preventing Infections in Pregnancy
This American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist video provides information for families on preventing infections such as COVID-19, flu, cytomegalovirus, chickenpox, listeria, STIs, and toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
National CMV Foundation: Educational Downloads
Access resources from the National CMV foundation to help raise awareness and education for pregnant women, practitioners and communities on cCMV.
Additional Resources
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV)
Visit AAP’s cCMV patient care page for more information and resources on cCMV including prevention, testing and treatment recommendations
Emerging Threats
To learn more about emerging health threats to infants and children and access additional resources and toolkits visit AAP’s Emerging threats webpage.
CDC Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET)
Learn more about the SET-NET program at CDC and the approach utilized to identify the impact of emerging and re-emerging health threats on pregnant women and their infants.
This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $350,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Last Updated
09/08/2025
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics