Cytomegalovirus can cause permanent birth defects

The virus can show no symptoms in adults

Baby in womb surrounded by viruses
CMV can be contracted in the womb and through contact with infected bodily fluids
(Image credit: Rasi Bhadramani / Getty Images)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) recently caused a 2-month-old girl in Pennsylvania to suffer severe hearing loss after it was passed to her in the womb. While the virus can exist in a person for life without showing any symptoms, it can also cause permanent disability in infants. Researchers are looking to create a vaccine for the disease, but it has proven tricky.

What is CMV?

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.