Agency Logo

HEPATITIS D (DELTA)

QUICK LINKS

ABOUT

Hepatitis D, or hepatitis Delta, is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV occurs in people who are also infected with hepatitis B and is spread from contact with HDV infected blood or other infected body fluids. HDV can cause a short-term (acute) infection or a long term (chronic) infection. Symptoms of HDV typically appear 3-7 weeks after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice. People who are chronically infected with HDV are more likely to experience more severe symptoms such as cirrhosis and liver failure. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis D; however, prevention of hepatitis B with hepatitis B vaccine also protects against future hepatitis D infection.

COMMUNITY

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS