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.

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.

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.

There is no treatment available for delta hepatitis infection.

Approximately two to eight weeks.

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.

Contact your primary health care provider or call your local health department.

For more information call Communicable Disease Epidemiology at (206) 418-5500 or toll-free 877-539-4344.

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Last Update : 03/05/2009 08:14 PM
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