Hepatitis C

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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C infection is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). 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
• Have had frequent workplace contact with blood (for instance, as a healthcare worker)
• Have had sex with multiple partners
• Have 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 mother

The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is approximately 4 million people in the United States or about 1 in 70 to 100 people. Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

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