[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 215--DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2011 AS ``NATIONAL 
                   CYTOMEGALOVIRUS AWARENESS MONTH''

  Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 215

       Whereas congenital Cytomegalovirus (referred to in this 
     preamble as ``CMV'') is the most common congenital infection 
     in the United States with 1 in 150 children born with 
     congenital CMV;
       Whereas congenital CMV is the most common cause of birth 
     defects and childhood disabilities in the United States;
       Whereas congenital CMV is preventable with behavioral 
     interventions such as practicing frequent hand washing with 
     soap and water after contact with diapers or oral secretions, 
     not kissing young children on the mouth, and not sharing 
     food, towels, or utensils with young children;
       Whereas CMV is found in bodily fluids, including urine, 
     saliva, blood, mucus, and tears;
       Whereas congenital CMV can be diagnosed if the virus is 
     found in urine, saliva, blood, or other body tissues of an 
     infant during the first week after birth;
       Whereas CMV infection is more common than the combined 
     metabolic or endocrine disorders currently in the United 
     States core newborn screening panel;
       Whereas most people are not aware of their CMV infection 
     status, with pregnant women being 1 of the highest risk 
     groups;
       Whereas the American College of Obstetricians and 
     Gynecologists and the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention recommend that OB/GYNs counsel women on basic 
     prevention measures to guard against CMV infection;
       Whereas in 1999, the Institute of Medicine stated that 
     development of a CMV vaccine was the highest priority for new 
     vaccines;
       Whereas the incidence of children born with congenital CMV 
     can be greatly reduced with public education and awareness; 
     and
       Whereas a comprehensive understanding of CMV provides 
     opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our 
     children: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the month of June 2011 as ``National 
     Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month'' in order to raise awareness 
     of the dangers of Cytomegalovirus (``CMV'') and reduce the 
     occurrence of congenital CMV infection; and
       (2) recommends that more effort be taken to counsel women 
     of childbearing age of the effect this virus can have on 
     their children.

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