A leading cause of disabilities in children and a preventable virus more common than down syndrome, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is often overlooked.

On Tuesday, Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill to attempt prevention of a somewhat common disease, CMV, in newborn children.

CMV is said to cause brain malformations, cerebral palsy and seizures, and is more common than down syndrome, spina bifida, pediatric HIV and fetal alcohol syndrome. The bill will lead to the screenings of infants for this preventable virus and raise awareness.

The bill appropriates $100,000 to the department of public health from the general fund of the state department.  

Under the guidelines of the bill, every newborn child who fails the required newborn hearing screen will receive a saliva screening for CMV. The parents would receive results from this test before leaving the hospital.

This does not apply to infants of parents who refuse the test. Any objection to the screening is to be documented, and the parents will need to give a written refusal.

Positive tests would lead to parents receiving treatment options in order to minimize the virus’ effects. Parents would be made aware of early follow-up and intervention options and resources available for the newborn.

Negative results will lead to follow-ups to determine whether the affected child has hearing loss.

Also stated in the bill is that every mother with an infant will receive information about CMV, including symptoms to look out for and birth defects that are caused by the disease. Information on screening opportunities either before or after leaving the birthing hospital will also be made available.

A main objective of the bill is not only to prevent CMV but also to educate. The Center for Congenital and Inherited Disorders is set to collaborate with state and local health agencies to get informational material published on CMV.

The goal is to raise awareness among women who are expecting, women who may become pregnant, parents of infants and birthing hospitals and centers.

Health care providers will be expected to give materials published under this bill to pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The signing is set to take place at an event called CMV Day on the Hill in Room 116 of the Iowa Capitol, where there will be an informational portion on CMV followed by stories of families affected by the virus that will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Goals of the upcoming Legislature are also on the agenda to be discussed.

The signing will take place from 1:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Governor’s Formal Office at the Capitol.