Hepatitis means "inflammation of the liver." Hepatitis is most often caused by one of several viruses such as hepatitis A, B, or C. Toxins, bacterial infections, certain drugs, other diseases, and heavy alcohol use can also cause inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Hepatitis A is still a common disease in the United States. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A. Vaccines are also available for long-term prevention of hepatitis A virus infection in persons 2 years of age and older. Immune globulin is available for short-term prevention of hepatitis A virus infection in all ages.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. As many as 1.25 million people living in the United States have hepatitis B. Not all people who are infected with HBV look or feel sick; they can have the virus and not have symptoms or know they are sick. Hepatitis B can be either "acute" or "chronic". Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can-but does not always lead to chronic infection.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person's body.

For more information about hepatitis A and B vaccination for children, adolescents, or adults visit our Immunization Division.

Hepatitis C

Often referred to as the "Silent Epidemic," hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. With more than 3.2 million persons chronically infected with Hepatitis C, this disease is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and liver transplants in the U.S. Viral hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne pathogen found in America. There is not a hepatitis C vaccine. Preventing exposure to the virus through behavior is the only effective way to control the spread of the disease.

Reportable Diseases

Hepatitis A, B, and C are designated as reportable diseases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means all healthcare providers and clinical laboratories are required to report "diagnosed" cases to the State Epidemology Department using the REPORT Notifiable Disease Card.