Welcome to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's hepatitis C site. Whether you are concerned about your risk for hepatitis C, have already been diagnosed, or are a health care provider, you will find useful information here.

Hepatitis is a disease of the liver. There are several different types of hepatitis, some caused by different viruses. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water, and does not cause long-term problems. Hepatitis B and C are spread through contaminated blood. Hepatitis C is more likely to be chronic (long-term), and can cause major, life-threatening liver damage if left untreated. Currently there is no vaccine against hepatitis C, although vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A, B and C are three completely different diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) estimate that almost 4 million Americans are infected with the hepatitis C virus. Nearly 100,000 persons infected with hepatitis C live in Massachusetts. Most of these individuals do not know that they are infected. Could you be one of them? Learn more. Be sure.

Click here to learn about Hepatitis C resources in your area.

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