Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause severe liver damage similar to HBV, including acute and chronic infections. Most people with an acute HCV infection do not display symptoms. When they do occur, they include the same symptoms that can occur with HBV.
Just like with HBV, HCV-infected individuals are still infectious to others even if they show no symptoms.
Similar to HBV, HCV has an increased risk of indirect exposure. HCV can be infectious on surfaces for up to 3 weeks in the presence of dried blood. Currently, there is no immunization available for HCV, but treatment is available for an acute infection that can reduce the risk of the disease becoming chronic. However, there is uncertainty about the treatment and when it should be started.