Hepatitis D
Disease Spread
Through contact with infected blood. This disease occurs only in people who are already infected with hepatitis B.
People at Risk
Anyone infected with hepatitis B: Injection drug users who have hepatitis B have the highest risk. People who have hepatitis B are also at risk if they have sex with a person infected with hepatitis D or if they live with an infected person. Also at risk are people who received a transfusion of blood or blood products before July 1992 or clotting factors made before 1987.
Prevention
Immunization against hepatitis B for those not already infected; also, avoiding exposure to infected blood, contaminated needles, and an infected person's personal items (toothbrush, razor, nail clippers).
Treatment
Chronic hepatitis D: drug treatment with alpha interferon.
