Wes1212

[url="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5106a1.htm"]http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5106a1.htm[/url]

HCV infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States; an estimated 2.7 million persons are chronically infected (101). More than two thirds of all infected persons are aged <50 years. Persons with acute HCV infection typically are either asymptomatic or have a mild clinical illness. The average time from exposure to seroconversion is 8--9 weeks, and antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure. Chronic HCV infection develops in most persons (75%--85%) after acute infection; 60%--70% have evidence of active liver disease. Most infected persons may not be aware of their infection because they are not clinically ill. However, infected persons serve as a source of transmission to others and are at risk for chronic liver disease or other HCV-related chronic diseases for at least 2 decades after infection.

HCV is most efficiently transmitted by direct percutaneous exposure to infected blood (e.g., by receipt of blood transfusion from an infected donor or through use of injection drugs). Although less efficient, occupational, perinatal, and sexual exposures also can result in transmission of HCV. No association has been documented between HCV and military service or HCV and exposures resulting from medical, dental, or surgical procedures; tattooing; acupuncture; ear piercing; or foreign travel (102).

UMMMMMMMMM..... isn't this a bunch of BS?

I wonder what the other chronic diseases from the virus are?


[This message has been edited by Wes1212 (edited 09-14-2003).]