Source – Moderna
In 2011, Ayako Kamei, a Principal Scientist at Moderna Enzymatics, experienced the joy of welcoming her second daughter into the world after a normal and healthy pregnancy. However, soon after birth, Ayako noticed red spots covering her daughter’s skin from head to toe. Concern grew when her daughter’s temperature dropped and her oxygen levels were low. Despite these alarming signs, Ayako’s doctor reassured her that everything was fine with the newborn.
The following day, a routine blood test revealed a dangerously low platelet count in Ayako’s daughter, prompting an emergency transfer to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) via ambulance. It took two weeks in the hospital and multiple blood tests to confirm that her daughter had contracted cytomegalovirus (CMV) while still in the womb.
CMV is a dormant virus often mistaken for a common cold. Although more than half of US adults over 40 have been infected at some point in their lives, pregnant women can unknowingly pass the infection to their unborn babies, leading to severe complications.
Congenital CMV is the most prevalent infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the US, affecting approximately one in every 200 babies. It is more common than Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and spina bifida. Around one in five babies born with CMV will experience significant and life-altering health issues, including vision and hearing impairments, as well as reduced muscle strength and coordination.
Close contact with children under the age of three, such as at home or in daycare settings, is a common route of CMV transmission. Simple hygiene practices such as thorough handwashing, avoiding kissing young children on the mouth and opting for the forehead, and refraining from sharing food, drinks, and utensils can help reduce the spread of the virus.
“Had I known about the risks of CMV while I was pregnant, I would have been much more careful while caring for my older children, but I had no idea CMV could cause my child any harm,” said Ayako.
Unfortunately, awareness of CMV is limited. Despite the serious risks it poses to newborns, 91% of women have never heard of CMV. Samantha Nikirk, like many others, only became aware of the virus after her child was affected by it.
