Hepatitis causes. Hepatitis is most commonly caused by infection of the liver by Hepatitis A, B or C viruses. Hepatitis A and C have an incubation period of 2-6 weeks. Hepatitis B has a longer incubation period of 60-90 days.
Causes of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can be caused by eating food or drinking water that is infected with the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted by anal or oral contact during intercourse. The Hepatitis A virus exists within the fecal matter of a person who is infected with the Hepatitis A virus. Poor sewage handling procedures in many underdeveloped countries throughout the world cause widespread infection of Hepatitis A. Also an infected person who does not properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom can transmit Hepatitis A by preparing food.
Causes of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease caused by contact with infected blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Hepatitis causes, or means of transmission include: having unprotected sex with an infected individual, sharing needles, getting tattooed with an unsterilized needle, being accidentally pricked by a used needle, being bitten by a person who is infected, sharing razors or toothbrushes and babies can also catch Hepatitis B through contact with vaginal fluid during birth. A person who has Hepatitis B can also be infected by Hepatitis D through the same causes of infection for Hepatitis B.
Causes of Hepatitis C
The cause of Hepatitis C is direct contact with the blood of an infected person. It is very common for an intravenous drug user to contract Hepatitis C through the act of sharing equipment used to inject drugs; needles cotton balls, spoons, water. It was previously common to get Hepatitis C from blood transfusions, but now all donated blood is screen for Hepatitis C.