State senate considers mandatory screening test for a virus in newborns
Jul 29, 2026
Congenital cytomegalovirus is a common viral infection that passes from mother to fetus during pregnancy. It affects about one in 200 babies in the US.
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AI GeneratedA bill is currently before a Massachusetts state Senate committee that would mandate universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). Advocates, including parents of affected children, argue that early detection via saliva tests is critical for administering antiviral treatments to prevent permanent hearing loss, vision impairment, and other developmental issues.