Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. Hepatitis C is spread when blood or bodily fluids containing the virus of an infected person enters the body of a person not infected. Infection can occur when diabetes lancets, toothbrushes, razors, needles and other drug “works” are shared. Sexual transmission can occur especially when blood is present, but is found to be low in long-term, monogamous (one long-term partner) relationships. There is no evidence that the virus is spread though casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, or sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils. HCV is not spread by coughing, sneezing or breastfeeding.