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Hepatitis B & C
Children are rarely infected with hepatitis B or C, except during childbirth when the mother has the virus present in her blood. This may result in the child becoming a chronic carrier. Children who carry the virus may be present in child care settings. The spread of hepatitis B or C in child care is very rare.
Symptoms
The following are symptoms of hepatitis: loss of appetite, tiredness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, joint pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, and clay-colored stool. Jaundice may be present in adults, but it is often absent in young children. Adults have symptoms more often than children.
Symptoms
The following are symptoms of hepatitis: loss of appetite, tiredness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, joint pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, and clay-colored stool. Jaundice may be present in adults, but it is often absent in young children. Adults have symptoms more often than children.
Spread
Virus is present in blood and other bloody fluids. It can be spread person-to-person by getting an infected person’s blood into open skin cuts or abrasions of another person or by sexual contact. Although both viruses can be found in saliva, saliva has not been shown to transmit the virus between individuals.
Spread
Virus is present in blood and other bloody fluids. It can be spread person-to-person by getting an infected person’s blood into open skin cuts or abrasions of another person or by sexual contact. Although both viruses can be found in saliva, saliva has not been shown to transmit the virus between individuals.
Contagious Period
May be infectious for many weeks before onset of symptoms and remain infectious for four to six months. Some people are chronic carriers of the virus and may be infectious for life.
Contagious Period
May be infectious for many weeks before onset of symptoms and remain infectious for four to six months. Some people are chronic carriers of the virus and may be infectious for life.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: A child who has the hepatitis B or C virus in his/her blood may attend child care unless he/she shows unusually aggressive behavior (biting, frequent scratching), has open sores that cannot be covered, generalized dermatitis, or an unexpected bleeding condition. Hepatitis B or C carriers with these conditions should be assessed by a team of public health and medical experts on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the child may attend child care.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: A child who has the hepatitis B or C virus in his/her blood may attend child care unless he/she shows unusually aggressive behavior (biting, frequent scratching), has open sores that cannot be covered, generalized dermatitis, or an unexpected bleeding condition. Hepatitis B or C carriers with these conditions should be assessed by a team of public health and medical experts on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the child may attend child care.
Causes
Causes
Hepatitis B or C virus.
Incubation
For those who develop symptoms, it takes from two weeks to six months (average three months) from the time a person is exposed to hepatitis B or C until disease occurs.
Incubation
For those who develop symptoms, it takes from two weeks to six months (average three months) from the time a person is exposed to hepatitis B or C until disease occurs.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Parents/guardians should tell anyone who cares for the child regularly that the child has hepatitis B/C. Caregivers should watch the child’s behavior for actions that might be a risk for spreading the virus.
Children should not share toothbrushes/pacifiers.
Refer to the Kentucky immunization regulations for childhood vaccination schedule for hepatitis B.
Cleaning and the disinfecting of blood and body fluids spills
Surfaces and objects contaminated with blood and body fluids must be cleaned with detergent and water, rinsed with clean water, and then disinfected. Hepatitis B & C virus, as well as other infectious germs, may be found in these fluids even when there are no symptoms to suggest infection is present.
Wear disposable gloves when handling blood (nosebleeds, cuts) or items, surfaces, or clothing soiled by blood or body fluids.
Frequent, careful hand washing by school/child care staff, children, and household members. Wash hands immediately after contact with any body fluid, even if gloves have been worn.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: These diseases are reportable to the local or state health department.
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Hep B C.pdf
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