Modes of Hepatitis C Transmission
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis (Virus C). This virus is present in the blood of infected individuals and can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids from an infected person to a healthy one via several routes:
- Drug Injection: Sharing needles for drug use or using drug paraphernalia among multiple people facilitates the spread of the virus.
- Blood Transfusion: All blood donors and collected blood are tested for Hepatitis C to ensure it is free from the virus. However, the risk of transmission through blood transfusion still exists in some under-resourced countries where blood is not routinely tested.
- Organ Transplants: Such as kidney, liver, or heart transplants from a donor infected with Hepatitis C.
- Dialysis Units and Endoscopies: In medical facilities that do not adhere to strict sterilization and infection control practices.
- Healthcare Workers: Those who are exposed to blood as part of their job.
- Mother to Child: It is found that 10% of newborns contract Hepatitis C if their mothers are infected. Transmission usually occurs during childbirth. There is no evidence that Hepatitis C is transmitted through breast milk, so mothers with the virus do not need to stop breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding should be stopped if there are cracks or bleeding in the nipple.
- Tattoos and Acupuncture: These procedures often occur without proper sterilization of tools and equipment.
- Pedicures and Using Others’ Tools: Small amounts of blood can remain on tools such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or other personal items from an infected person. If another person uses these tools, especially if they have cuts, scratches, or infections, the virus can be transmitted.
- Traditional Practices: Such as circumcision or using barber tools that are not cleaned or sterilized between uses, especially razors.
From the book “100 Questions About the Liver” by Professor Dr. Gamal Shiha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Liver Foundation and Chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee in the House of Representatives.