ALBANY, NY — Sponsored by Sen. John W. Mannion and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, “Elizabeth’s Law,” legislation protecting those most susceptible to cytomegalovirus (CMV)—the leading viral cause of congenital birth defects—has been signed into law.

“Elizabeth’s Law” (S6287C) was inspired by the advocacy of the Saunders family from Central New York, who lost their daughter, Elizabeth, at age 16 to CMV. Pregnant women working with young children in day care and similar settings are the most at risk.

“Elizabeth’s Law is a fitting tribute to a young girl and her family that will help prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Mannion said. “The State of New York will now require that child care providers have the information and training they need to be aware of the dangers of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.”

“Every year, over 300,000 babies are born in the U.S. with congenital CMV, a virus that can lead to deafness and significant developmental disabilities” said Rosenthal. “Despite CMV claiming the lives of approximately 400 children each year, many expectant parents are unaware such an infection even exists. Increasing awareness of this virus and providing information to those who may become pregnant will ultimately save lives and spare children more devastating consequences.” CMV can lead to long-term health problems in babies and young children including hearing loss, developmental and motor delay, vision loss, microcephaly and seizures.

According to the CDC, cytomegalovirus (pronounced sy-toe-MEG-a-low-vy-rus), or CMV, is a common virus that infects people of all ages. Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Most people infected with CMV show no signs or symptoms. When a baby is born with a CMV infection—about one out of every 200—it is called congenital CMV. About one in five babies with a congenital CMV infection with have long-term health problems.

Lisa Saunders, founder of NY Stop CMV, and the mother of Elizabeth Saunders, said, “I can’t thank Sen. John W. Mannion and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal enough for listening to me and the other families affected by this terrible disease. All we want is to prevent this viral cause of brain damage and hearing and vision loss from happening to other newborns. As a result of this new law, women will learn the simple precautions to take to protect their pregnancies from cytomegalovirus. This is of special importance to women who have or care for toddlers during their pregnancies.”

CMV is transmitted through bodily fluids, most commonly during the care of toddlers.