HCVÜbertragungen

HCVÜbertragungen, or Hepatitis C virus transmissions, refer to the ways the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads from one person to another. The primary route of HCV transmission is through direct contact with infected blood. This most commonly occurs via sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Before widespread screening of blood donations, blood transfusions and organ transplants were also significant sources of transmission, but this is now very rare in countries with robust screening protocols.

Healthcare settings can pose a risk if infection control practices are not followed, such as through the reuse of needles or improper sterilization of medical equipment. Accidental needlestick injuries among healthcare workers can also lead to transmission. Less commonly, HCV can be transmitted through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men, or in cases of co-infection with HIV. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth is also possible, though the risk is relatively low. HCV is not transmitted through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils. Understanding these transmission routes is crucial for prevention and control of Hepatitis C.