Final answer:
Hepatitis B is a bloodborne viral disease that causes inflammation and potential damage to the liver. Symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, and fatigue, though some cases are asymptomatic. Vaccines and treatments are available, but chronic infection can lead to conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disease caused by a bloodborne virus that results in liver damage is Hepatitis B. This viral infection leads to the inflammation of the liver, which can vary in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong condition. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is particularly concerning because it can lead to liver cancer, a usually fatal outcome.
The virus is transmitted in several ways, including sexual activity, and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and fatigue. While some individuals clear the virus from their system, others may become chronic carriers, which significantly increases the risk of serious liver conditions, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccines and specific medications are available to prevent or reduce liver damage caused by HBV.
Another aspect to consider with Hepatitis B is that symptoms are not always present, making it possible for the infection to go undetected without routine blood work, particularly in individuals with risk factors such as intravenous drug use. As many viral disease symptoms result from the body's immune response, a lack of symptoms may indicate a weaker immune response, allowing the virus to persist in the body for extended periods, leading to chronic infection and a higher chance of liver damage.