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Hepatitis C is also an infection of the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus is found primarily in the blood of an infected person. Transmission of hepatitis C is predominantly through contact with contaminated blood. People at risk include, for example, intravenous drug users sharing contaminated injecting drug equipment, and people with haemophilia or other people who received a blood transfusion before February 1990, when screening tests became available. Saliva is not thought to play a large part in transmission. About 20-50% of people with acute infection progress to long-term liver disease.
Symptoms of hepatitis C may include abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, tiredness, joint pain, dark urine, and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice). The virus may be carried without symptoms. |
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Exclusion is not necessary.
A child who is unwell may need to stay away.
Take precautions when handling blood-contaminated items. More information on this subject is given on
pages 18-19.
Re-emphasise good handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting practices.
Prevent scratching, biting, and violent or aggressive behaviour. Cover any open sores, cuts or abrasions that are weeping or moist.
If a potentially infectious event occurs (for example, a bite from a hepatitis C carrier child that breaks the skin or a spread of blood from a carrier child), then contact the local public health unit. |
