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Delta Hepatitis (hepatitis D)
What is delta hepatitis (hepatitis D)?
Delta hepatitis is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus. Symptoms are
similar to hepatitis B and may include fever, lack of energy, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
discomfort, and jaundice (yellow color to the whites of the eyes or skin and darkening of
urine). Some persons who have delta hepatitis have no symptoms. Up to 20% of delta
hepatitis infections are rapidly fatal. Infected persons may recover or may develop
chronic, long-term delta hepatitis (carrier) and are at risk for cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
and liver failure.
Where does it come from?
Delta hepatitis is an infection of humans. Acute delta hepatitis infection may be followed by recovery
but usually becomes chronic and causes symptoms for years. An infected person with no
symptoms can still spread delta hepatitis to others.
How is it spread?
Delta hepatitis infection can only occur along with hepatitis B infection. Infection with delta
hepatitis can happen in a person with chronic hepatitis B infection, or new infections
with hepatitis B and delta hepatitis may occur at the same time. The virus is spread by
direct contact with the blood or less commonly with sexual fluids of an infected person.
This can happen by sharing needles with injection drug users who are infected with delta
hepatitis. Infected women can pass the virus to their babies but this is thought to occur
at a low rate. The risk of sexual transmission has not been thoroughly studied, but it
appears to be low.
Is there a vaccine available?
No. There are vaccines for both hepatitis A and B, but not for delta hepatitis. Since
delta hepatitis is dependent on hepatitis B infection, preventing hepatitis B infections
will prevent delta hepatitis infections. This can be done by vaccinating people against
hepatitis B or by reducing transmission of hepatitis B.
What is the treatment?
There is no treatment available for delta hepatitis infection.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Approximately two to eight weeks.
How common is delta hepatitis?
Delta hepatitis is rare in the U.S. Washington State averages less than one case a
year.
How can infected persons prevent the spread of delta hepatitis?
Do not share any blood testing devices, needles, or other drug equipment.
Do not donate blood or organs.
Do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail care devices, or any other personal items that
might have your blood on them.
Let health care professionals who may be exposed to your blood know that you have delta
hepatitis.
Recommend that any regular sexual partner be vaccinated for hepatitis B. Although sexual
transmission appears to be low, inform sexual partners that you have delta hepatitis, and
consider using latex condoms and barriers.
Cover cuts or open sores on your skin.
What should I do if I suspect someone in my family has delta hepatitis?
Contact your primary health care provider or call your
local health department.
Where can I get more information?
For more information call Communicable Disease Epidemiology at (206) 418-5500 or toll-free 877-539-4344.
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