Recent data from the CDC indicates that hepatitis C is now the second leading cause of death among black males aged 18 to 34 living in Harlem. Approximately 3 million people in the United States are chronically infected with hepatitis C, which is primarily spread by exposure to contaminated blood or needles. A blood test for hepatitis C antibodies can identify people infected with the virus. Symptoms are similar to those associated with other types of hepatitis. Interferon alfa-2b with ribavirin is the approved combination therapy to treat chronic hepatitis C infections.
Ribavirin is an oral antiviral agent.
Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C increases a person's risk of developing liver cancer. When hepatitis D occurs in people who already have chronic hepatitis B, it is considered a superinfection. When people develop acute cases of hepatitis B and hepatitis D at the same time, hepatitis D is considered a co-infection. Hepatitis D may be spread by exposure to contaminated blood products or needles and by unprotected sex with an infected person. The transmission of hepatitis E virus has not been documented in the United States.