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Hepatitis C
Definition:
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. Alternative Names:
Non-A or non-B hepatitis
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Hepatitis C infection is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who: - Received a blood transfusion prior to July 1992
- Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
- Injected street drugs or shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
- Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
- Have had frequent workplace contact with blood (for instance, as a healthcare worker)
- Have had sex with multiple partners
- Have had sex with a person who has hepatitis C
- Shared personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C
- Were born to hepatitis C infected mother
The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is approximately 4 million people in the United States or about 1 in 70 to 100 people. Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
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