An estimated 8 out of 10 new cases of hepatitis C in Australia result from the unsafe injecting of drugs. Even microscopic amounts of blood are enough to transmit the virus. In about 6% of cases, a pregnant mother can transfer the virus to her baby, especially if she also has HIV. Breastfeeding is usually safe for mothers who have hepatitis C. You’re at greater risk of being infected by the hepatitis C virus if you: have ever used intravenous drugs have had a needle stick or other injury have had a tattoo or piercing done in a facility with poor hygiene have received a blood transfusion in Australia before 1990, or in a country with a high rate of hepatitis C spent a long time on dialysis have been infected with HIV have had sex with someone with hepatitis C (although the risk depends on the activity — activities that could lead to blood-to-blood contact, such as unprotected anal sex, are higher risk)