What is the most common route of hepatitis C transmission to children?

What is the most common route of hepatitis C transmission to children?

• A. Perinatal transmission
• B. Sexual contact
• C. Needle sharing among peers
• D. Household contact

Answer: (A)

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, so in children the main way infection occurs is from the mother during pregnancy or at delivery—the perinatal (vertical) transmission route. This happens when the virus is passed from the infected mother to the baby through blood exposure in the womb or during birth. Other routes, like sexual contact, injection-drug-use-related needle sharing, or casual household contact, are far less likely or not typical pathways for children. Therefore, perinatal transmission is the most common route by which hepatitis C reaches children.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, so in children the main way infection occurs is from the mother during pregnancy or at delivery—the perinatal (vertical) transmission route. This happens when the virus is passed from the infected mother to the baby through blood exposure in the womb or during birth. Other routes, like sexual contact, injection-drug-use-related needle sharing, or casual household contact, are far less likely or not typical pathways for children. Therefore, perinatal transmission is the most common route by which hepatitis C reaches children.