HR1156 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1156 LRB098 21519 GRL 60086 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, 1 in 150 children in the United States are born with congenital cytomegalovirus; and

WHEREAS, Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of birth defects and childhood disabilities in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Congenital cytomegalovirus is preventable with behavioral interventions, such as practicing frequent hand washing with soap and water after contact with diapers or oral secretions, not kissing young children on the mouth, and not sharing food, towels, or utensils with young children; and

WHEREAS, Cytomegalovirus is found in bodily fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, and tears; and

WHEREAS, Congenital cytomegalovirus can be diagnosed if the virus is found in saliva, blood, or other body tissues of an infant during the first week after birth; and

WHEREAS, Most people are not aware of their cytomegalovirus infection status, with pregnant women being one of the highest risk groups; and

WHEREAS, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that OB/GYNs counsel women on basic prevention measures to guard against cytomegalovirus infection; and

WHEREAS, The incidence of children born with congenital cytomegalovirus can be greatly reduced with public education and awareness; and

WHEREAS, A comprehensive understanding of cytomegalovirus provides opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the month of June 2014 as Illinois Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month in the State of Illinois in order to raise awareness of the dangers of cytomegalovirus and reduce the occurrence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recommend that more effort be taken to counsel women of childbearing age of the effect this virus can have on their children.