The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes inflammation of the liver.
Synonyms
Hepatitis C virus
Detailed description
The RNA virus infects human liver cells. Due to its high mutation rate, a lot of genetic variations exist. The WHO estimates that one percent of the world population is chronically infected with HCV. Transmission is mainly via contaminated blood and can happen in hospitals or through drug use. HCV infection can lead to liver cell carcinoma.
In 2017, a Miami–Berlin flight took an unexpected turn when passengers spotted a rat on board. After landing, the rat was captured and handed over to scientists at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI