Viral Hepatitis info- credited to CDC Posted: 07-07-03 19:35pm
Hepatitis A: is a liver disease caused by
the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A
can affect anyone. In the United States,
hepatitis A can occur in situations
ranging from isolated cases of disease to
widespread epidemics.
Hepatitis B: is a serious disease caused
by a virus that attacks the liver. The
virus, which is called hepatitis B virus
(HBV), can cause lifelong infection,
cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver
cancer, liver failure, and death.
Hepatitis C: is a liver disease caused by
the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is
found in the blood of persons who have the
disease. HCV is spread by contact with the
blood of an infected person.
Hepatitis D: is a defective virus that
needs the hepatitis B virus to exist.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found in the
blood of persons infected with the virus.
Hepatitis E: is a virus (HEV) transmitted
in much the same way as hepatitis A virus.
Hepatitis E, however, does not often occur
in the United States.
