Detecting Congenital CMV Virus

Representative Kelly Fenton, R-Woodbury, and Senator Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, presented legislation, called the "Vivian Act," to promote education, awareness and early detection of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), which impacts about one in everyone 150 babies born annually and could result in long-term health problems, including hearing loss, vision loss, intellectual disability, seizures, lack of coordination and weakness.

The legislation is named after Vivian Henrikson, a three year old girl born with congenital CMV who developed cerebral palsy and deafness. The legislation would require the Department of Health to provide up-to-date information to health professionals and expectant mothers. It also would encourage doctors to test babies who do not pass the newborn hearing screening, which may indicate CMV.