Communicable Disease: Hepatitis
HCS/457
October 7, 2013
Regina Pointer
Communicable Disease: Hepatitis
A communicable disease is a disease spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact. Some communicable diseases are curable and some are not. Often times communicable diseases are prevented through proper hygiene, safe sex, or vaccinations. The most common communicable diseases are sexually transmitted diseases. They affect the lives of millions of people each year. Hepatitis is a liver disease spread through sexual contact as well as unsanitary food and water. Hepatitis is prevented with proper sanitation, hand washing, practicing safe sex, and certain types of Hepatitis is prevented through vaccinations.
Description of Disease
There are five types of Hepatitis, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A, B, and C are common in the United States, whereas D and E are more common in underdeveloped countries with poor sanitation. Hepatitis A is caused from the Hepatitis A virus and contracted from ingesting fecal matter of an infected person. It can be spread from contact with contaminated food, drinks, or objects. Hepatitis B is caused from the Hepatitis B virus and is spread through sexual contact or sharing needles with an infected person. According to “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (2013), “Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth” (Viral Hepatitis). The Hepatitis C virus is spread through infected blood either from sharing needles, blood transfusions, or organ transplants. Hepatitis C is not commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants since 1992 when the blood supply was screened for diseases. Hepatitis D is spread the same way as Hepatitis B through infectious blood. Hepatitis E is similar to Hepatitis A in that it is spread through ingestion of fecal matter. Hepatitis A and B can be controlled by vaccinations. Hepatitis C, D,...