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290,000 (2019) [4] Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver; [2] it is a type of viral hepatitis. [6] During the initial infection period, people often have mild or no symptoms. [1] Early symptoms can include fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, and yellow tinged skin. [1]
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) [3] is a small (55–65 nm in size), enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. The hepatitis C virus is the cause of hepatitis C and some cancers such as liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, abbreviated HCC) and lymphomas in humans. [4][5]
In fact, the rate of new hepatitis C cases more than quadrupled over the last decade, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Dr.
Infectious diseases, gastroenterology. Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation due to a viral infection. [1][2] It may present in acute form as a recent infection with relatively rapid onset, or in chronic form, typically progressing from a long-lasting asymptomatic condition up to a decompensated hepatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Chronic hepatitis C progresses towards cirrhosis, with estimates of cirrhosis prevalence of 16% at 20 years after infection. [125] While the major causes of mortality in hepatitis C is end stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma is an important additional long term complication and cause of death in chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis C vaccine. A hepatitis C vaccine, a vaccine capable of protecting against the hepatitis C virus (HCV), is not yet available. Although vaccines exist for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, development of an HCV vaccine has presented challenges. [1] No vaccine is currently available, but several vaccines are currently under development. [2][3]
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Spread [ edit] Hepatitis C is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact, associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment, needlestick injuries in healthcare, and transfusions. [2] [4] It may also be spread from an infected mother, to her baby during birth. [2]