Viral Hepatitis

TDH's Viral Hepatitis Program works to increase access to diagnosis and treatment to reduce viral hepatitis infection, morbidity, and mortality rates in Tennessee.

About the Viral Hepatitis Program

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Viral Hepatitis Program works to increase access to diagnosis and treatment to reduce viral hepatitis infections, illness, and deaths across Tennessee. This work also focuses on reducing health disparities related to viral hepatitis.

TDH activities in support of this effort include:

  • Conducting disease surveillance and outbreak planning, early detection, and rapid response.
  • Improving access to prevention, testing, and treatment.
  • Building partnerships and establishing policies to address the viral hepatitis epidemic in Tennessee.

Connections to Linked Programs & Services

Contact Information

For questions about TDH’s Viral Hepatitis Program, please contact:

Tennessee Department of Health
Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness (CEDEP)
6th Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243

Email: VH.Health@tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-7500

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

Hepatitis A is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Anyone can get hepatitis A, but it occurs most often in children and young adults. Most people recover completely within a few weeks, but the illness can sometimes last longer or cause more severe symptoms.

How Hepatitis A Spreads

Hepatitis A spreads when the virus is ingested through contact with contaminated food, water, or objects. This can happen if someone who is infected does not wash their hands properly after using the restroom and then handles food or other items. The virus can survive on surfaces for several weeks.

Incubation Period

The time between exposure and the first symptoms (the incubation period) is typically 15 to 50 days.
A person infected with hepatitis A can spread the virus one to two weeks before symptoms appear and up to one week after the onset of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Symptoms

Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Light-colored stool
  • Joint pain
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Some people, especially young children, may have mild or no symptoms but can still spread the virus to others.

Treatment

There are no specific medicines or antibiotics to treat hepatitis A once symptoms appear. Most people recover on their own.
Health care providers may recommend:

  • Rest and reduced activity
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Eating a balanced, low-fat diet
  • Avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medications

If vomiting or dehydration occurs, supportive care may be needed.

Prevention

The hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection against infection. It is safe and effective for both children and adults.

Other important prevention steps include:

  • Practicing good handwashing after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food.
  • Teaching children proper handwashing habits and assisting younger children when needed.
  • Ensuring food service workers follow proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
  • Encouraging childcare centers (especially those serving diapered children) to follow strict handwashing and diaper-changing procedures.

If You Are Exposed to Hepatitis A

A shot of immune globulin (IG), if given within two weeks of exposure, can help prevent illness. It provides temporary protection for about three months by boosting your immune system. IG is often recommended for:

  • Household members of an infected person
  • People who ate food prepared by someone infected with hepatitis A
  • Others exposed to the virus in community settings

Side effects are rare and may include mild soreness where the shot is given.

Additional Information

For health care providers, laboratories, and public health professionals, more information is available on the Tennessee Department of Health: Reportable Diseases page.

Information courtesy of the Memphis-Shelby County Health Department.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is most commonly spread through sexual contact, but can also be transmitted by contact with infected body fluids or from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable. Many people with Hepatitis B do not have symptoms and may not know they are infected. When symptoms occur, they can include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dark urine
  • Gray-colored stool
  • Joint pain
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

For Health Care Providers

External link and accessibility notice: Some links on this page take you to websites outside the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH does not control the content, privacy policies, or accessibility of external sites.

For Individuals

Find reliable information about Hepatitis B and other viral hepatitis topics. The following links provide education on prevention, vaccination, and general awareness to help protect yourself and your community.

Hepatitis B Virus Education

Surveillance Reports

Review Tennessee’s latest surveillance and epidemiological data on viral hepatitis.

Educational Materials

Access educational materials designed to promote safer health practices and awareness of viral hepatitis prevention.

Additional Resources

Learn more about vaccination programs and statewide immunization efforts.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) enters the body of someone who is not infected.

Acute Hepatitis C occurs during the first several months after infection. Many people with acute Hepatitis C do not have symptoms and may not know they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dark urine
  • Gray-colored stool
  • Joint pain
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Most people who become infected are not able to clear the virus and develop a chronic infection. Over time, chronic Hepatitis C infection can lead to serious health problems, including liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer.

For Health Care Providers

For Individuals

Find information and educational materials about Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), including where to access treatment, how the virus spreads, and steps you can take to protect your health.

Hepatitis C Treatment Locations

Hepatitis C and Pregnancy

Find resources for people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and want to learn more about Hepatitis C and maternal health:

Surveillance Reports

Access recent reports and data from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) that highlight statewide trends in viral hepatitis. These reports provide valuable information to support prevention, education, and response efforts across Tennessee.

Educational Materials

Access materials designed to increase awareness and promote safer practices for the prevention of bloodborne infections and viral hepatitis.

Additional Resources

Explore programs, partnerships, and services that address hepatitis C and related public health priorities across the state.

TDH Hepatitis C Virus Project ECHO

TDH’s Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Project ECHO is one of the first Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) initiatives within a state health department. The program fosters a community of practice that connects primary care providers, pediatricians, family physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and nurse practitioners to enhance hepatitis C treatment capacity throughout the state of Tennessee.
Learn more or register to join: TDH HCV Project ECHO. 

End the Syndemic Tennessee

TDH and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are leading the End the Syndemic (ETS) initiative — a statewide prevention and treatment plan addressing HIV, sexually transmitted infections, substance use disorder, and viral hepatitis through community collaboration.
Learn more: End the Syndemic Tennessee. 

Viral Hepatitis Case Navigators (VHCNs)

VHCNs identify and engage individuals who test positive for hepatitis C at local health departments and connect them to treatment and supportive services statewide.
More information: TDH Viral Hepatitis Case Navigators. 

Viral Hepatitis Prevention Navigators (VHPNs)

VHPNs provide referrals to harm reduction and prevention services for local health department clients with current or prior hepatitis C exposure, or those with risk factors for infection.

Syringe Services Programs (SSPs)

SSPs provide free distribution and safe disposal of syringes, HIV and hepatitis C testing, naloxone access, and referrals to treatment and prevention services. These programs help reduce infection risk, support recovery, and improve community health.
More information: Syringe Services Programs in Tennessee. 

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS)

ROPS provide overdose prevention training and distribute naloxone to individuals, families, and organizations. They also support treatment and recovery agencies statewide.
Learn more: Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists. 

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Navigators

PrEP Navigators connect HIV-negative individuals to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services — a daily medication up to 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission. Navigators provide education, linkage to care, and follow-up support.
More information: PrEP Navigators. 

Tennessee REDLINE

The Tennessee REDLINE is a free, 24-hour resource for addiction and mental health referrals.
Call 1-800-889-9789 or visit Tennessee REDLINE.

Data and Reports

Explore data, reports, and strategic plans from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) that track viral hepatitis and related public health efforts across the state. These resources include interactive dashboards, statewide surveillance reports, and planning documents that guide prevention, treatment, and education initiatives.

Dashboards

 View interactive data for the Viral Hepatitis State Overview and Pregnant and Perinatal Hepatitis C.

Viral Hepatitis State Overview


Pregnant & Perinatal Hepatitis C


Viral Hepatitis Reports

Access surveillance and epidemiological reports that highlight statewide trends and outcomes.

Strategic Plans and Reports

TDH provides tools and resources for the public to search, explore, and share health data and strategies related to improving the health of Tennesseans. Use the buttons below to navigate the Health Data Dashboard and the State Health Plan.

If you don’t see what you need, please click the button below to submit a Data Request.

This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 3:42 PM