Hepatitis C (formerly called non-A, non-B hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a
recently identified blood borne virus. Other types of viral hepatitis include
hepatitis A (formerly called infectious hepatitis), hepatitis B (serum hepatitis),
hepatitis D (delta hepatitis) and hepatitis E (a virus transmitted through the feces of an
infected person). Approximately 200 cases of hepatitis C are reported in New York
State each year.
Hepatitis C occurs most often in people who have received a blood transfusion or who have
shared needles. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C is spread by exposure to blood from an
infected person, such as through a blood transfusion or sharing needles. The risk of
sexual transmission has not been thoroughly studied but appears small. There is not
evidence that the hepatitis C virus can be transmitted by casual contact, through foods or
by coughing or sneezing.
The symptoms of hepatitis C can include appetite loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting,
vague stomach pain and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). Symptoms
may occur from two weeks to six months after exposure, but usually within two months.
Some people carry the virus in their bloodstream and may remain contagious for
years. The disease may occur in the acute form and be followed by recovery or it may
become chronic and cause symptoms for years.
There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat people with the
acute form of hepatitis C. However, in June 1998, the FDA approved a new treatment
involving a combination of drugs (interferon and ribaviron) for use in certain patients
with chronic hepatitis.
Since May 1990, blood donation centers throughout the United States have routinely used
a blood donor screening test for hepatitis C. Widespread use of this test has
significantly reduced the number of post-transfusion hepatitis C cases.
Approximately 25 percent of people infected with
hepatitis C will become sick with
jaundice or other symptoms of hepatitis. Fifty percent of these individuals may go
on to develop chronic liver disease. People who have had hepatitis C should remain
aware that their blood and possibly other bodily fluids are potentially infective. Care
should be taken to avoid blood exposure to others by sharing toothbrushes, razors,
needles, etc. In addition, infected people must not donate blood and should inform
their dental or medical care providers so that proper precautions can be followed.
The risk of sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus has not been thoroughly investigated
but appears to be minimal. Several studies suggest that spread seldom occurs from
people with chronic hepatitis C disease to their steady sexual partners. Therefore,
limitations on sexual activity with steady partners may not be needed. However,
people with acute illness and multiple sexual partners may be at greater risk and should
use condoms to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting hepatitis C as well as other
sexually transmitted infections.
At present, a hepatitis
C vaccine is not available.
(This fact sheet has been adapted from the New York State
Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control series.)
Other
Resources:
Viral
Hepatitis C (CDC)
The
A, B, C's of Viral Hepatitis (New York State Department of Health)
|
