Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by a virus that affects the liver. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections can lead to chronic hepatitis infections, in which case individuals will remain infected. Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. Most people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections remain asymptomatic (no symptoms) until the infection progresses and causes complications of the liver.

Transmission varies among the different types of viral hepatitis; however, symptoms are the same for all three types of hepatitis (A, B, and C). Not everyone will have symptoms when they are first infected, but symptoms of acute (newly acquired) hepatitis include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Clay-colored stools
• Joint or muscle pain
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C.

Georgia Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, 2030

DPH in collaboration with statewide subject matter experts, community partners, and stakeholders, released a strategic plan to combat viral hepatitis within the state of Georgia by 2030. 

Review the Plan

DPH Viral Hepatitis Elimination Fact Sheet

The fact sheet below provides a snapshot of the state’s plan for viral hepatitis elimination.

Learn More

Georgia Viral Hepatitis Resource Directory

Resource of healthcare providers throughout Georgia that provide Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C treatment services.

Learn More

Page updated 4/14/2023