Liver Cirrhosis: Is It Contagious?

Liver cirrhosis refers to the scarring of liver tissue due to long-term damage, and in itself, it is not contagious. However, some of the underlying causes of cirrhosis can be transmitted from person to person. One of the most common examples is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In the past, the prevalence of hepatitis B in China was as high as 10%, meaning that approximately one in every ten individuals was a carrier of the virus.

Hepatitis B can spread through bodily fluids and blood, and if left untreated, it can lead to progressive liver damage, potentially worsening into cirrhosis. Similarly, hepatitis C, which was identified in 1989, behaves much like hepatitis B. Unlike hepatitis B, however, hepatitis C typically does not cause acute illness but instead leads to chronic inflammation of the liver. Over time—usually between 10 to 20 years—this chronic hepatitis can develop into cirrhosis.

In summary, while liver cirrhosis itself cannot be passed on to others, the viral infections that often lead to cirrhosis, such as hepatitis B and C, are indeed contagious. Understanding the source of liver damage is crucial for both treatment and prevention strategies. Public awareness and screening for hepatitis viruses play a vital role in reducing the spread of these infections and preventing further cases of cirrhosis.