WHEREAS, Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection in the United States, affecting approximately 1 in every 200 newborns, or nearly 30,000 babies each year; and

WHEREAS, Congenital CMV is a leading cause of birth defects and childhood disabilities, with approximately 1 in 5 children born with the infection developing permanent health complications, including developmental delays, hearing loss, vision impairment, cerebral palsy, intellectual and physical disabilities, seizures, and, in some cases, death; and

WHEREAS, Congenital CMV is associated with as many as 400 infant deaths annually in the United States, and is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children; and

WHEREAS, the risk of Congenital CMV infection may be reduced through simple preventive measures during pregnancy, including washing hands frequently with soap and water after contact with bodily fluids or secretions, avoiding kissing young children on the mouth, and not sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children; and

WHEREAS, increased public education and awareness regarding Congenital CMV can help reduce the number of children born with the infection;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 21-26, 2026, as CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.