Hepatitis c is a curable liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. The most common form of transmission today is by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. Hepatitis C can spread in healthcare settings when injection equipment, such as syringes, is shared between patients or when injectable medications or intravenous solutions are mishandled and become contaminated with blood. Healthcare personnel should understand and adhere to Standard Precautions to prevent
the spread of this virus.