Chronic hepatitis C is a long-term infection with the hepatitis C virus in which more than half of initial infections fail to clear and become persistent [2]. It represents the ongoing, often lifelong phase of HCV infection that can ultimately threaten life through progressive liver injury [1].
Disease overview
Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Chronic hepatitis C is a persistent viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, affecting an estimated 47 million people globally with around 0.9 million new infections each year [1]. Most infected individuals remain unaware of their status, and the condition often progresses silently while posing a major public-health burden [2].
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Chronic infection is frequently asymptomatic or marked only by nonspecific fatigue or low mood, yet untreated disease may advance to liver failure or primary liver cancer [2]. When symptoms appear, they can include fever, tiredness, poor appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice [1]. Severe outcomes such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma develop in a substantial proportion if the infection remains unmanaged [1][2].
Worldwide, roughly 47 million persons live with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and about 0.9 million new cases arise annually [1]. A central concern is that many infected people do not know they are infected, limiting case finding and control [2]. In 2024, approximately 239,000 deaths were attributed to hepatitis C, principally from cirrhosis and liver cancer [1].
The hepatitis C virus is bloodborne and spreads when infected blood enters another person's body, most often through unsafe healthcare injections, unscreened transfusions, shared needles among people who inject drugs, and certain sexual practices with blood exposure [1]. Sharing contaminated injection equipment is the chief route, while childbirth and other blood contacts are less common [2]. Even asymptomatic persons can transmit the virus [2].
No effective vaccine exists against hepatitis C, so prevention depends on avoiding blood exposure and not sharing needles or blood-contaminated items [1][2]. Recommended testing and treatment of infected persons are key strategic elements to interrupt onward transmission [2].
- 1 World Health Organization. Hepatitis C [Internet]. cited 2 Sept 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- 2 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C Basics | Hepatitis C | CDC [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/about/
- B18.2
- 1E51.1
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