Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These three viruses are spread in different ways but cause similar illness. Hepatitis A is an acute illness. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) illnesses. The number of acute Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B cases have been declining in United States, mostly due to the availability of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines. Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, an estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis B and 3.2 million are living with chronic Hepatitis C. These chronic diseases are more common than HIV/AIDS in the United States.

Epidemiology investigates cases of viral hepatitis to determine source of infection, risk factors and to refer contacts for prophylaxis.

The link below presents surveillance data on Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections in Fulton County from 2005 – 2009. Please click here for general hepatitis information

• Viral Hepatitis in Fulton County, 2005-2009