Hepatitis C

Overview

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV spreads when infected blood enters the body of someone who is not infected, such as through sharing needles, razors or other personal items, unregulated tattooing, or (less commonly) during intimate contact with blood exposure. HCV can also spread to newborn infants during birth (perinatal hepatitis C). Hepatitis C can resolve within 6 months without treatment (acute hepatitis C), but more than half of people with HCV infection will go on to develop long-term, chronic hepatitis C which can cause serious health problems.  

In Alaska, the number of newly reported cases of chronic hepatitis C decreased by about 50% from 2016 to 2025, but remain higher among men, adults 20-39 years old, rural residents, and American Indian or Alaska Native populations. 

There is no vaccine for HCV at this time, but there are medications that can cure hepatitis C. 

Symptoms & Diagnosis 

Many people infected with HCV will not have symptoms, but they can still spread the virus.  

When infected, a person might have no symptoms, mild illness, or severe complications that require hospitalization.  

Symptoms can include: 

• Fever 
• Fatigue (feeling tired) 
• Stomach pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Loss of appetite 
• Dark urine (tea- or soda-colored) 
• Pale or grey-colored stool (poop) 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) 

Acute hepatitis C 

About one third of people who are infected will clear the virus within 6 months without treatment. For those who develop symptoms, they will usually start two to -12 weeks after HCV infection.  

Chronic hepatitis C 

Most people who are infected will develop chronic hepatitis C. These people usually do not have symptoms. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or death. 

Testing 

Hepatitis C is diagnosed with a blood test by a healthcare provider. Testing is recommended if you: 

•  have symptoms of hepatitis C 
• Suspect you have been exposed to HCV 
• are pregnant (during each pregnancy) 
• are over 18 years old and have never been tested 
• have ongoing risk of exposure to HCV  

A blood sample will be taken to test for HCV antibodies, which show whether you have ever been infected with HCV. If the test is positive for HCV antibodies, you should also be tested for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) to show if you have an active infection.  

If the HCV RNA test is positive, your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps, which may include treatment for hepatitis C. 

Treatment 

Hepatitis C treatment is safe and highly effective. Usually, oral medications (pills) are taken over the course of 8 to 12 weeks. Treatment can help prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and HCV transmission to other people. 

Prevention 

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. You can prevent HCV infection by reducing risks that contribute to the spread of HCV, like sharing needles or syringes and getting unregulated tattoos.  

Getting tested and treated for HCV also helps to prevent complications from HCV and prevents spreading HCV to others. 

Reporting 

Health care providers and laboratories are required to report hepatitis C, including positive and negative viral load results within 2 working days.    

Resources