Overview
For more general information, see our Hepatitis page.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Viruses usually cause it—but toxins, parasites, or drug or alcohol abuse can also lead to hepatitis. In Washington, hepatitis A, B, and C viruses are the most common causes.
People living homeless are at greater risk for hepatitis A—View this flyer in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
Most cleaning products don’t kill hepatitis A—View this flyer in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
Acute
- Hepatitis A, B, or C.
- Infection acquired within the last 12 months.
- May experience vomiting, abdominal pain, or yellowing eyes or skin.
- Most people with acute hepatitis A will show symptoms. Most people with acute hepatitis B or C will not.
- Most people with acute hepatitis A will recover and be immune to hepatitis A. About 5% of adults with acute hepatitis B will develop chronic infection. About 70% of people with acute hepatitis C will develop chronic infection.
Chronic
- Hepatitis B or C.
- Virus remains in the body, slowly damaging the liver.
- Liver damage can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer.
- Treatment is available. Antiviral treatment can control hepatitis B and can cure hepatitis C.
Report certain cases of viral hepatitis.
- Within 24 hours—Acute hepatitis A, B, or E.
- Within 3 days—Acute hepatitis C, acute or chronic hepatitis D, and pregnant women who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen.
- Monthly—Newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis B or C.
Call (253) 649-1413 or use the Notifiable Condition Report Form (or Perinatal Hepatitis C Fax Form). For more information, see our Report Notifiable Conditions page.
You can prevent transmission.
Safe injection practices benefit providers and patients. Learn more at CDC’s Safe Injection Practices page and Preventing Unsafe Injection Practices page.