Epidemiology Corner

Nearly 4 million Americans are infected with the Hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is transmitted via blood and body fluids of an infected person. Prior to 1989 blood banks were not testing for the virus and people who had blood transfusions may have contracted the infection by that time. Today many health care providers are testing for Hepatitis C as part of a routine physical exam; thus many individuals are now learning of their infection that they may have had for some years. Hepatitis C is a serious illness for some individuals and not for others. Some people will have liver damage and may develop cirrhosis and or cancer. Other individuals will have no long-term effects. Many people who have the infection do not experience symptoms but may have mild flu like symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, headaches and abdominal pain. A few individuals may have jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) accompanied with dark urine.

Casual contact, food or water, sneezing, coughing, hugging or breast-feeding does not spread hepatitis C. People who have Hepatitis C should see their doctor regularly, inform their doctor of all medications, including over the counter and herbal medicines and abstain from alcoholic beverages. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C; however, people with liver damage from Hepatitis C should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

For additional information about Hepatitis C call the Epidemiology at (713) 794-9181 or 1 (888) 4-HEP-CDC or The American Liver Foundation at 1-800- 223-0179. Information is also available on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/disease/hepatitis/c/chronic.htm