hepatitis C

Definition

Or: HCV, a viral infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It is most commonly spread by sharing needles or, not as frequently, by sexual contact. SYMPTOMS: Only 5 to 10% of people infected by Hepatitis C develop symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin); 60-70% of people infected get an on-going infection of the liver and some of them develop liver failure and liver cancer many years later. TREATMENT: There is no vaccine available at this time.