Viral Hepatitis
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Hepatitis
A:
is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis
A can affect anyone. In the United States, hepatitis A can occur in
situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread
epidemics. |
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Hepatitis
B: is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the
liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause
lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer,
liver failure, and death. |
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Hepatitis
C: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV),
which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. HCV is
spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. |
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Hepatitis
D: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV),
a defective virus that needs the hepatitis B virus to exist.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found in the blood of persons infected
with the virus. |
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Hepatitis
E: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV)
transmitted in much the same way as hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis E,
however, does not occur often in the United States. |
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