INFLAMMATION of the LIVER in humans caused by HEPATITIS C VIRUS, a single-stranded RNA virus. Its incubation period is 30-90 days. Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by contaminated blood parenterally and is often associated with transfusion and intravenous drug abuse. However, in a significant number of cases, the source of hepatitis C infection is unknown.

Viral disease caused by hepatitis C virus; most common form of post transfusion hepatitis, also is a common acute sporadic hepatitis; may also follow parental drug abuse.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. There are different types of hepatitis. One type, hepatitis C, is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic: Acute hepatitis C is a short-term infection. The symptoms can last up to 6 months. Sometimes your body is able to fight off the infection and the virus goes away. But for most people, an acute infection leads to chronic infection.; Chronic hepatitis C is a long-lasting infection. If it is not treated, it can last for a lifetime and cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death. Hepatitis C spreads through contact with the blood of someone who has HCV. This contact may be through: Sharing drug needles or other drug materials with someone who has HCV. In the United States, this is the most common way that people get hepatitis C.; Getting an accidental stick with a needle that was used on someone who has HCV. This can happen in health care settings.; Being tattooed or pierced with tools or inks that were not sterilized after being used on someone who has HCV.; Having contact with the blood or open sores of someone who has HCV.; Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person's blood, such as razors or toothbrushes.; Being born to a mother with HCV.; Having unprotected sex with someone who has HCV. Before 1992, hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Since then, there has been routine testing of the U.S. blood supply for HCV. It is now very rare for someone to get HCV this way. You are more likely to get hepatitis C if you: Have injected drugs; Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992; Have hemophilia and received clotting factor before 1987; Have been on kidney dialysis; Have been in contact with blood or infected needles at work; Have had tattoos or body piercings; Have worked or lived in a prison; Were born to a mother with hepatitis C; Have HIV; Have had more than one sex partner in the last 6 months; Have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI); Are a man who has had sex with men (MSM). If you are at high risk for hepatitis C, your health care provider will likely recommend that you get tested for it. Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. Some people with acute hepatitis C do have symptoms within 1 to 3 months after they are exposed to the virus. These symptoms may include: Dark yellow urine; Fatigue; Fever; Gray- or clay-colored stools; Joint pain; Loss of appetite; Nausea and/or vomiting; Pain in your abdomen (belly); Jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin). If you have chronic hepatitis C, you probably will not have symptoms until it causes complications. This can happen decades after you were infected. For this reason, hepatitis C screening is important, even if you have no symptoms. Without treatment, hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C can prevent these complications. Providers diagnose hepatitis C based on your medical history, a physical exam, and blood tests. If you do have hepatitis C, you may need additional tests to check for liver damage. These tests may include other...

(hepatitis c infection) A viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C is a worldwide problem. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of both acute and chronic hepatitis.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infectious, hepatotropic virus belonging to the Flavivirus family. Infection may present as an acute illness (e.g., fatigue, arthralgia, jaundice) in approximately one third of patients; however, the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Chronic infection causes liver inflammation and fibrosis, and a...

Hepatitis C, infectious disease of the liver, the causative agent of which is known as hepatitis C virus (HCV). About 71 million people worldwide have chronic HCV infection, making hepatitis C a major source of chronic liver disease. The burden of HCV infection varies depending on country and...