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Cause:
Hepatitis C virus, which has 6 genotypes.
Illness and treatment:
Most acute infections are asymptomatic but about 20%
of cases have abrupt onset with fever, abdominal pain, and
jaundice. Chronic infection is typically asymptomatic
until complications such as liver damage or cancer develop;
a specialist can determine treatment options.
Sources:
Transmission is usually by contact with blood, particularly while
sharing drug paraphernalia, or less commonly semen or
vaginal secretions of an infected person.
Additional risks:
Chronic infection follows acute infection in 75-85% of cases
and is more likely for males, those infected after 25 years of age, or the
immunosuppressed including HIV co-infection.
Prevention:
Use safe sexual practices, avoid sharing drug paraphernalia,
and screen blood and tissue products to prevent transmission.
Recent Washington trends:
Each year fewer than 30 acute cases and around 5,700 chronic cases are reported.
Current chronic hepatitis reports are posted at:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Hepatitis/surveillance/default.htm
2010:
25 acute cases (0.4 cases/100,000 population) were reported.
Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance
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To identify sources of infection and to prevent further transmission from such sources
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To educate cases and contacts about transmission of hepatitis C virus and how to reduce the risk of
transmission
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To better understand the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection and the burden of
morbidity from chronic infection
Legal Reporting Requirements
Acute Hepatitis C
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Health care providers:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3 business days
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Health care facilities:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3 business days
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Laboratories:
Hepatitis C virus (detection of viral antigen, antibody or nucleic acid)
notifiable on a monthly basis
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Local health jurisdictions:
Acute cases notifiable to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE) 206-418-5500 within 7 days of case
investigation completion or summary information required within 21 days.
Chronic Hepatitis C (initial diagnosis only)
Last update
December 2011 |
