Reducing congenital cytomegalovirus infection through policy and legislation in the United States

Policy and legislation, backedby accurate science, are viable tools to change behaviour to reduce congenital cytomega-lovirus (CMV) infections. Addressing CMV through public policy canprovide increasedawareness amongpublichealth officials, access to existing venues for disseminating infor-mation, and much needed funds for awareness campaigns. While some medical professionals and CMV experts oppose public policy and legislation mandating medical practice, most support policies aimed at public education campaigns to provide consumers with accurate CMV education. Changing behaviour through public policy A woman’s risk of becoming infected with CMV and transmitting CMV to her unborn child can be reduced when she practices hygienic precautions1–4. However, in the United States, only 13 % of women are aware of CMV and only 44 % of OB/GYNs counse