Hepatitis C: Transmission

How is hepatitis C spread? Who's at risk?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood. The following list outlines sources of hepatitis C transmittal:

  • Blood and blood product transfusions;
  • Sharing needles and syringes (IV drug abuse);
  • Other possible risk behaviors: tattoos, body piercing, living and medical care in a developing country, folk medicine, intranasal cocaine;
  • Extensive surgical procedures
  • Unknown - up to 5% of patients have no identifiable risk factors;
  • Sexual transmission is rare; the risk of sexual transmission to an individual is probably less than 3% when a person is in a stable monogamous relationship;
  • Vertical transmission from mother to baby;
  • Reused needles in a medical or health care setting.

Top of Page


Is hepatitis C transmitted sexually?

According to studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a low sexual transmission rate of hepatitis C was suggested. Of the 62 patients studied, none of the monogamous heterosexual partners had developed the hepatitis C antibody. In general, the probable risk of heterosexual transmission of hepatitis C is less than 3%.

It is recommend that all patients in a non-monogamous relationship use a condom or spermicide and patients in a monogamous relationship use a barrier method only if they are anxious or concerned about transmission. All non-monogamous individuals should use safe sex practices.

For patients with hepatitis C, testing of spouses, babies and significant others is recommended by Centers for Disease Control(CDC). Please discuss these issues with your physician.

Top of Page


Is hepatitis C transmitted by breast milk to infants?

There is no substantial evidence that hepatitis C is transmitted through breast milk, however, a few studies have been performed that tested breast milk and very rarely is hepatitis C found in the breast milk--even using the most sensitive tests such as PCR. The CDC has issued a statement explaining that mothers who have HCV can breast feed, but should avoid it if there are sores around the nipple.

Top of Page


Can hepatitis C be transmitted to other members of my family (household contacts)?

There is a slight risk of hepatitis C transmission among household contacts, so family members should not share items such as razors or toothbrushes that may transmit blood or secretions. Women who have hepatitis C and are menstruating as well as men or women with hepatitis C and sores in the genital area should avoid sexual contact. The CDC recommends that spouses or partners of a hepatitis C patient be tested for hepatitis C.

Top of Page


Can a pregnant woman give hepatitis C to her baby?

A report in New England Journal of Medicine suggested a 7% transmission rate of hepatitis C from mother to child at birth. Though this is a high estimate, the possibility of transmission must be considered when a woman with hepatitis C is deciding whether to have children.

For infants who have received the hepatitis C virus from their mother, brief elevations of liver enzymes may occur, but no chronic liver disease has been reported. There have been no reports of cirrhosis in newborns, infants or child due to mother-to-child hepatitis C infection. It is recommended that all babies born to mothers with HCV be tested annually until age three with antibody tests.

Women with AIDS and hepatitis C are at high risk for transmitting the virus to their babies, and research has shown that these women consistently transmit the virus to their babies at birth.

Top of Page


Is hepatitis C transmitted by insects?

There is no documented transmission of hepatitis C through insects. The virus, however, is related to a group of viruses including yellow fever and Dengue, and those are known to have been spread by insects.

Top of Page


Can transmission of hepatitis C be prevented by immune globulin?

No. There is no data to support giving immune globulin to prevent infection after acute exposure.

Top of Page