Hepatitis C

Basic Facts

In 2006 there were 586 new hepatitis C cases reported in Wyoming.

About 4.1 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), of whom 3.2 million are chronically infected.

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which attacks and injures the liver.

80% of people with hepatitis C have no signs or symptoms.

Chronic hepatitis C is now the most common reason for liver transplantation and in the US the leading cause for developing liver cancer.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, and mild nausea and vomiting.

Hepatitis C is a blood borne pathogen. Transmission occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person.

Although there are vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C (HCV).

Risk Factors

Injection drug users- even injection drug use in the distant past.

People with multiple sex partners or sex with partners who have other sexually transmitted diseases.

Those with tattoos or body piercing done with non-sterile instruments.

Anyone who has had a blood transfusion prior to 1992 or clotting factors produced before 1987.

Hemodialysis patients.

Infected mothers to newborn (about 4% transmission risk.)

Prevention

Avoid handling anything that may have an infected person’s blood on it; such as razors, scissors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or files, tampons or sanitary napkins, etc.

Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program; if you can’t stop, never share “works” (needles, syringes, water, etc.) or any other drug paraphernalia.

Practice safe sex (use latex condoms).

Notify your physician and dentist that you have hepatitis.

If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps.

Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.

If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.