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Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus passed easily between toddlers and pregnant women, is the leading infectious cause of congenital disability in Australia. And yet, most Australians have never heard of it.

CMV disables more children each year than Down syndrome or spina bifida — and yet it barely registers in the national consciousness.

And that’s what’s driven Cerebral Palsy Alliance to spearhead CMV Awareness Month throughout June — a campaign to lift the lid on the virus, push clear prevention messages, and put this silent threat on the public health agenda.

This year saw signs of progress. National media coverage via platforms like Mamamia and Kiindred helped carry messages beyond the health sector and into households, where the virus often spreads undetected. But one chilling statistic still dominates: only 14% of women aged 20–40 know what CMV is.

Every year, more than 400 babies are born with lifelong disability caused by congenital CMV. And yet, simple steps — like not kissing toddlers on the lips, or not sharing food and cutlery — could prevent many of these infections.

Throughout June, CPA focused not just on families, but also on frontline healthcare workers. A raft of free resources — from e-learning tools to research bulletins and a CMV prevention network — was distributed to midwives, GPs and obstetricians.

The message is simple: awareness saves lives. And while June has ended, the work continues.