Newborn Screening for cCMV Set to Begin in Minnesota

February 2, 2023

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is preparing to begin screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), making Minnesota the first state in the nation to universally screen newborns for presence of the virus. 

MDH officials expect to find cCMV in about 300 newborns annually in Minnesota. Pilot studies suggest that most of the infants are expected to be asymptomatic, whereas 20% of infants diagnosed with cCMV result in clinical disease. Signs of disease range from isolated hearing loss (which may occur postnatally) to systemic and severe neurodevelopmental manifestations. MDH has created a fact sheet for providers. 

Screening will help identify infants at risk for cCMV who may benefit from follow-up monitoring and early access to interventions and treatment. 

In partnership with birth hospitals, clinics, and midwives around the state, nearly all the 60,000 babies born in Minnesota each year receive a newborn screen. The MMA has been a long-time supporter of newborn screening. 

More information on the Minnesota newborn screening program is available on the MDH website.