Viral Hepatitis
Information and resources for the different forms of viral hepatitis
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and is often caused by a virus. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis, B, and hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis is a major and avoidable public health threat causing both acute (immediate, short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease.
New Hampshire's Viral Hepatitis Elimination Efforts
New Hampshire’s Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance (data) and Prevention (IVHSP) program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the goal of increasing New Hampshire’s effort to:
- Detect and respond to viral hepatitis outbreaks,
- Collect and analyze (review) data to prevent and control the spread of viral hepatitis,
- Increase access to viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment, and
- Support viral hepatitis planning to decrease new cases and deaths due to hepatitis.
New Hampshire's efforts follow the goals of CDC's Viral Hepatitis 2025 Strategic Plan to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This means reducing the number of new hepatitis B and hepatitis C cases by 90% and related deaths by 65%.
Join the efforts to eliminate hepatitis in New Hampshire!
Join the efforts to eliminate hepatitis in New Hampshire!
If you would like to learn more or join these efforts, contact the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program Coordinator.
People with lived experiences (living/treated/cured with/of hepatitis) are encouraged to participate. Your voice is important!
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus is spread more easily in areas which lack clean conditions or where good personal hygiene is not observed. Most infections result from contact with a household member or sex partner who has hepatitis A. Casual contact such as in the office, factory, or school setting does not spread the virus.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) enters the bloodstream and attacks the liver. The virus is spread by contact with the blood or body fluid of person living with hepatitis B. New Hampshire has a program to support babies born with exposure to hepatitis B. The program is called the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program.
- Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention (NH DHHS)
- Hepatitis B (CDC)
- Immunization Update on ACIP Recommendations for Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, and Zoster Vaccines
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by blood-to-blood contact with a person living with hepatitis C. Also, though not common, hepatitis C can be spread through sex. This is most likely if the person has a STI, is having sex with more than one person, and is having anal sex. (Each of these items, by themself, places the person at an increased threat of getting HCV.)
How is Hepatitis prevented, treated and cured?
- There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B, yet there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
- Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.
- There is no cure for hepatitis B, yet with proper care and treatment, individuals can reduce the risk of serious liver damage. (if your healthcare provider supports this)
- Medicines can now cure most cases of hepatitis C.
If you would like more information about the hepatitis prevention efforts in New Hampshire, or hepatitis data, please contact the programs.
Hepatitis Surveillance (Data) Program contact
- Email: HIV/STI/VH Surveillance Program Manager
- Phone: 603-271-3932
Hepatitis Prevention Program contact
- Email: Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program Coordinator
- Phone: 603-271-5982
Quick Links
CDC Resources
Hepatitis Awareness Events
Hepatitis Awareness Events
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Hepatitis Testing Day - May 19th
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World Hepatitis Day - July 28th - The birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and developed its first vaccine two years later.