There are five viruses that cause the different forms of viral hepatitis:hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A is primarily a food-borne illness that can be transmitted via contaminated water and unwashed food. Hepatit B is the most easily transmitted, especially in children. It can be transmitted through contaminated blood, needles, syringes, or bodily fluids, as well as from mother to baby. After many years of carrying the virus, it can cause long-term liver damage, liver cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver in some cases. Hepatitis C is only passed from mother to child during childbirth or through infected blood. In the long run, it can also cause liver cancer and cirrhosis.Hepatitis D is only found in people who also have hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is most common in Africa, Asia, and South America. When taken in excess or at very high doses, certain generally safe medications can be toxic to the liver and cause hepatitis (drug-induced hepatitis).