1

Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C? 

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection. Like HAV and HBV, HCV causes inflammation of the liver. For every 100 people living with HCV, 75 - 85% of people will develop a chronic infection. Chronic infections can lead to serious liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring), liver failure, or liver cancer. It is estimated that 70 - 80% of people living with HCV do not have symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

An estimated 3.5 million people in the U.S. have chronic HCV. Most are unaware of their infection because they have never experienced symptoms. Symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain
  • Dark urine
  • Fever
  • Clay-colored stool
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)

Incubation period

14-180 days (average: 45 days)

Contagious period and spread

  • HCV is transmitted by direct contact with the blood of a person living with HCV. This can occur by sharing personal items, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or glucose monitors. It can also be spread by sharing non-sterilized needles or syringes. Having a sexually transmitted disease or sex with multiple partners also increases the risk of acquiring HCV. If a pregnant person is living with HCV, there is a 5% chance that they will pass HCV to their infant during childbirth. HCV is not spread through casual contact in a typical school/child care setting.
  • People living with HCV are infectious one or more weeks before onset of symptoms and as long as the virus is present in the blood. 75 - 85% of people living with HCV will have HCV for life, if left untreated.

Public health reporting requirements

  • Report the infection to the facility director or school nurse.
  • Report to the local or state health department within four days of diagnosis.

Control of spread

  • Cover open wounds or sores, and prevent scratching, biting, or combative behavior.
  • Surfaces contaminated with blood should be cleaned and sanitized while wearing medical exam quality gloves. Disinfect areas contaminated with blood spills using an EPA-registered (List B) tuberculocidal agent. See Disease Prevention: The Facility Environment.
  • Dispose of soiled items in plastic bags.
  • Encourage proper handwashing techniques.
  • Consult with local or state public health with implementation of control measures.

Treatment

There is no vaccine available to prevent HCV. There are several medications available to treat chronic HCV, and treatments have gotten much better in recent years. Current treatments usually involve  eight to 12 weeks of oral therapy and cure more than 90% of people with few side effects.

Exclusion

No exclusions or environmental interventions are necessary, as transmission requires close sexual contact or blood exposure.

Role of teachers, caregivers, and family

Use standard precautions for handling body fluids and blood.