Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is found in the blood of persons who have this diease and is spread by contact with infected blood.

What increases my risk for Hepatitis C infection?

Having a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992

Having been treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987

Having ever been on long-term kidney dialysis

Having ever injected street drugs, even once many years ago

If you are a healthcare worker exposed to blood in the workplace through accidental needlestick injuries.

Having been a baby born to infected mothers

Hepatitis C can also be spread by sexual intercourse, but this does not occur very often.

Hepatitis C is not spread by:

Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses
Casual contact
Breastfeeding
Sneezing
Food or water
Coughing
Hugging or kissing

For more information on Hepatitis, visit CDC’s Hepatitis Webpage

Contact the Laurel County Health Department if you have questions about these or other communicable diseases.