Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is a preventable liver disease caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and relies on the hepatitis B Virus (HBV) to replicate.
Hepatitis D is rare in most developed countries, however it is much more common in Mediterranean countries, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and countries in the northern part of South America.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis D are identical to those of hepatitis B. These symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Pain in the stomach area
- Nausea
Causes
Hepatitis D is transmitted in similar ways to hepatitis B.
- Contact with infectious blood or blood products
- Exposure to contaminated needles
- Household transmission
- Sexual transmission
For more information on hepatitis D, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-d