Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a single strand RNA virus. Prior to 1990, it was called non-A non-B hepatitis, meaning that it was not caused by the hepatitis A or hepatitis B virus; however diagnostic tests had not yet been developed to pinpoint the cause. After 1990, more advanced diagnostic tests became available making it possible to identify the HCV virus. It is a blood-borne pathogen that is transmitted through blood or blood products. There is currently NO vaccine available to prevent this disease.
HCV has a greater ability to mutate than HBV; therefore, HCV is more difficult for the body to fight. The large majority of infected persons, approximately 85%, will remain contagious for the rest of their life. More information is available in the section entitled, The Disease.
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