Hepatitis is swelling or inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is a group of liver diseases that can be caused by consuming contaminated water or food, use of contaminated needles or syringes, non-sterile piercing and tattooing equipment or practicing unsafe sex.

The most common types of hepatitis are A, B and C.

People infected with hepatitis can experience effects ranging from mild illness to serious liver damage such as liver failure or cancer.