Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis C virus [1]. It can present as either acute or chronic illness and may range from mild to a serious, lifelong condition [1].
Disease overview
Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Hepatitis C is a liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis C virus, capable of producing both short-term and long-term illness that may be life-threatening [1]. Globally, an estimated 47 million people live with chronic infection and about 0.9 million new infections occur each year [1]. In 2024, roughly 239,000 deaths were attributed to the disease, principally from cirrhosis and primary liver cancer [1]. No effective vaccine exists, though antiviral treatment can cure most infections [1].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
The infection can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, with severity varying from a mild illness to a serious, lifelong disease including cirrhosis and cancer [1]. Reported symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice [1].
Worldwide, approximately 47 million individuals have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, with around 0.9 million new infections annually [1]. The World Health Organization estimated about 239,000 deaths in 2024, mostly due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [1]. Systematic review evidence indicates hepatitis C infection is associated with increased hospitalizations, longer length of stay, and higher readmissions, reflecting a substantial burden on healthcare systems [2].
The hepatitis C virus is bloodborne and spreads through contact with infected blood [1]. Principal routes include unsafe injections and medical procedures, unscreened blood transfusions, sharing of needles and syringes among people who inject drugs, and sexual practices that result in blood exposure [1].
No effective vaccine against hepatitis C is currently available, so prevention relies on avoiding contact with infected blood [1]. Preventive approaches focus on reducing blood exposure through safer injection and transfusion practices and infection control in health care [1].
- 1 World Health Organization. Hepatitis C [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- 2 Ng M et al. Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Hospital-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024. PMID: 38487594. doi: 10.1155/2024/3325609. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38487594/
- B17.1-B18.2
- 1E50.2-1E51.1
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Recent related research
Peer reviewed Open access Strong disease match Hepatitis C
DOI 10.51298/vmj.v567i1.19309 ↗ KẾT QUẢ NỘI KIỂM BẰNG THANG ĐO SIX SIGMA TRONG KIỂM SOÁT CHẤT LƯỢNG XÉT NGHIỆM SÀNG LỌC HBV, HCV, HIV BẰNG KỸ THUẬT ĐIỆN HOÁ PHÁT QUANG TẠI VIỆN HUYẾT HỌC - TRUYỀN MÁU TRUNG ƯƠNG
Tạp chí Y học Việt Nam
Hepatitis C Treatment Access With Implementation of an Antenatal Linkage-to-Care Bundle
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Determinants of Treatment Adherence in Hepatitis C Patients in a Public Sector Setting in India
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Low-level of mitochondrial DNA alterations during direct-acting antiviral treatment in leukocytes of people who inject drugs living with HCV
Microbiology Spectrum
Circulating hypermethylated RASSF1A as a possible marker of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients
Egyptian Liver Journal
Showing 5 of 91 related publications.
Literature links are provided for discovery and do not alter or validate the surveillance series above.
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