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.
August 28, 2025
The apparent removal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, Susan Monarez, PhD, after just weeks on the job, further imperils the work of the CDC and the health of Americans. Her removal was followed by the resignations of other senior leaders at the CDC, who have accused HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. of undermining scientific recommendations for vaccines.
August 26, 2025
University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, MD, will speak at the Empowering Physicians: A Night of Learning & Connection event on Friday, September 26, from 4 to 9 pm, at the historic Hewing Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
August 26, 2025
America's physicians are seeing a rise in misinformation and disinformation from patients these days, and it’s impacting patient care, according to a new study from the Physicians Foundation.