Porposed legislation would require CMV testing, increase awareness

COLUMBIA, Ky. (WTVQ) – Senate Bill 91 has been introduced in the Senate Health & Welfare Committee and is sponsored by Sen. Max Wise (R-Campbellsville).

The bill seeks universal screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) for newborns, in addition to efforts for public education and awareness, particularly for expectant and pregnant mothers.

“When our daughter was diagnosed with CMV shortly after birth, we were shocked,” said Sarah Streeval.

Streeval’s daughter, Bella, passed away from complications of CMV in April 2020, just two months after her third birthday. “Like 91% of women, I knew nothing about CMV.”

With proper education and awareness, coupled with cautionary measures during pregnancy, Streeval believes that CMV can be diminished.

“We can’t bring Bella back, but if we can spare other families from our heartache, we want to do that. More must be done.”

Though CMV is a common virus that affects people of all ages, it has serious health implications for a child if a pregnant woman contracts it. It is the most common congenital infection, impacting 1 out of every 200 births annually.

Of those, one in five will have long-term and potentially life-threatening health consequences. It is also the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children.

“There are more than two dozen disorders that newborns in Kentucky are currently screened for, yet the most common viral cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities is not one of them,” said Streeval. She emphasized that newborn screening for CMV has significant potential for improving children’s functional outcomes through early detection and intervention.

Streeval has worked to compile dozens of stories of families impacted by CMV from all over Kentucky. In addition to numerous parents, audiologists and physicians, Bella’s Bill is proud to have the support of organizations such as Kentucky Hands & Voices, Home of the Innocents, Open Arm’s Children’s Health & Little Ears Hearing Center, as well as the National CMV Foundation.

Learn more about CMV and Bella’s Bill at www.bellasbill4cmv.com.