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Information for Consumers - Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus accounts for much of what was known as non-A non-B hepatitis until 1989. Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne infection in the U.S. Approximately 4 million (1.6%) persons in the U.S. have ever been infected with HCV, of whom 3.2 million are chronically infected. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne pathogen and is transmitted primarily by percutaneous exposure (inoculation via the skin with infected blood such as a needle-stick injury). Injection drug use currently accounts for most HCV transmission in the U.S. and has accounted for a substantial proportion of HCV infections in past decades. Other factors associated with transmission include receiving a transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, receiving long-term hemodialysis, or receiving clotting factor produced before 1987. The medications approved to treat HCV include: interferon, pegylated interferon, ribavirin and HCV protease inhibitors. Persons infected with hepatitis C should be evaluated by their provider to determine if they are eligible for treatment. Not all infected persons are candidates for treatment.

Below you will find the most up-to-date information and resources to help you learn more about hepatitis C.