MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota is the first state in the nation to screen newborns for cytomegalovirus, known as "CMV."
CMV is a common infection, which often goes undetected in people. However, if a pregnant woman contracts it, it can have devastating effects on the baby. CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the nation.
Dr. Mark Schleiss, a professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and his team have developed new testing techniques that improve the detection of CMV in infants shortly after birth.
The finding is significant because using these new techniques in the infant dried blood spot tests, will detect CMV with 85.7% accuracy. In the past, the testing was no more than 30% accurate.
In 2021, Minnesota passed the Vivian Act authorizing the Minnesota Department of Health to educate parents and their healthcare providers about CMV.
It's named after Vivian Henrikson, who was born with CMV.
Vivian's mother, Leah Henrikson, and Dr. Schleiss, along with others attended a news conference on Wednesday celebrating the start of newborn screening in Minnesota.
"Do not underestimate the power of a mom and a mission," said Henrikson. "I will say that."
MV occurs when an infected mother passes CMV to the fetus through the placenta. The mother may not have symptoms, so she may be unaware that she has CMV.
The CDC says one in every 200 babies is born with CMV...and about 20 percent will have health problems.
Now Minnesota will be the first to include CMV testing in typical newborn screening.
"It's so exciting to be part of a groundbreaking effort like this," said Schleiss.
Even Schleiss, who has dedicated his career to the virus, says it was moms who made this happen.
"There's no question at all that the most important thing leading to this event is the power of moms," he said.
The testing CMV screening will be part of a typical newborn screen, which costs $235.
Stephanie Steidl's son Hank was diagnosed with CMV because they participated in a UMN study.
"We found out this diagnosis right away that enabled us to start early intervention and early childhood services," she said. "It is such a monumental day for all Minnesotans."