What is the infectious agent that causes hepatitis C infection?
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C virus is present in the blood of infected persons. Hepatitis C virus attacks the liver and, over time, disrupts its vital functions. Where is hepatitis C virus infection found? Hepatitis C virus occurs worldwide. How do people get hepatitis C infection? Hepatitis C is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. People have become infected with hepatitis C virus by: • Sharing equipment for injecting street drugs • Receiving blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor whose blood contained hepatitis C virus • Being on long-term kidney dialysis, during which they unknowingly shared supplies or equipment that had someone else’s blood on them • Having frequent occupational contact with blood in a health-care setting, especially accidental needlesticks • Being born to a mother with hepatitis C • Having sex with a person infected with hepatitis C virus • Living with someone who was infected with hepatiti
