Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The Hepatitis C virus causes an inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis C Risk Factors
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
- as a healthcare worker had frequent contact with blood on the job
- had sex with multiple partners
- 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 mothers
The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is approximately 4 million people in the United States or approximately 1 in 70 to 100 people. Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B.