Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The illness can range in severity, sometimes causing lifelong illness and death.
Transmission
Transmission occurs during when blood from an infected person gets into the blood stream of another person. Exposure can happen through sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of HCV can include:
- mild flu-like symptoms
- dark urine
- light stools
- jaundice
- fatigue
- fever
Symptoms may not be experienced after the initial infection, but the infection can persist and develop into more serious health issues.
Diagnosis
DCHHS' Communicable Disease Control division offers additional education about HCV and initial screenings.
Appointments are required for testing. Screening tests are $35.
For information, consultation or to make an appointment, call (214) 819-2004.
You should get tested if you:
- Have injected drugs not prescribed by a doctor
- Received blood before 1992
- Have received an organ transplant before 1992
- Have received long-term hemodialysis
- Were treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987
- Have signs and symptoms of liver disease
- Are a healthcare worker and have had an accidental exposure to blood
- Were born to a woman infected with HCV
Vaccination and Prevention
Currently, there are no vaccines for Hepatitis C virus.
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