Thread by @RespectIsVital

Cytomegalovirus is a common virus. It can be serious if a woman catches it during pregnancy as she may pass the virus on to her baby.

My son has CMV, if it had been screened for, early treatment could've reduce complications.

@cmvactionuk
…eening-recommendations.service.gov.uk/cytomegaloviru…

2/ A randomised control trial demonstrated a 71% reduction in the risk of foetal transmission when a high dose of Valaciclovir was given to women who seroconvert #CMV, (pass to foetus), in pregnancy.

1st Trimester Screening is a no brainer.

3/ The Valgan Toddler Study, a randomised control trial, showed no efficacy of late treatment where there is hearing loss caused by CMV, so the only opportunity to preserve hearing is by treatment in the new-born period.

Neonatal CMV Screening could prevent children going deaf.

4/ CMV is responsible for children developing learning difficulties. However, as it's less known than; eg Autism etc, professionals are much slower to help, if at all.

Many people aren't aware of the effects. Eg: My son has to avoid pregnant women as he could infect them.

5/ Why wouldn't you introduce screening for CMV in pregnancy and newborn? Early identification can prevent severe learning difficulties, blindness and deafness.

I urge @DHSCgovuk, @P_H_S_Official, @scotgovhealth, @PublicHealthW to introduce CMV screening as STANDARD.

Did you know CMV is the leading cause of birth defects in the UK?

We need to raise awareness so all #pregnant women know about the dangers of #CMV #CMVAwareness.

We need to call for CMV screening in early pregnancy and at birth.

25% of child hearing loss is due to CMV.