Disease: A liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV infection sometimes results in an acute illness, with symptoms that include fever, nausea, vomiting, dark urine and jaundice; but most often becomes a chronic condition that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Transmission: Contact with the blood of an infected person. The primary mode of transmission in the US is through sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs. Other modes include being born to an HCV-infected mother; received contaminated blood products or organs (rare in the US); or healthcare related needle sticks. Infrequently transmitted sexually or through sharing household items such as razors or toothbrushes.
Vaccination: There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Treatment is available, usually combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Treatment is considered effective in 40-80% of patients (depending on the type of virus).
Reference: CDC FAQ’s for Health Professionals.
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