There is general agreement that the hepatitis C virus is efficiently transmitted parenterally, while data on viral transmission from mothers to babies or by sexual or non-sexual household contact are conflicting. In Italy, hepatitis C accounts for approximately 20% of all cases of acute viral hepatitis. It is more frequent among young persons (15-24 years old), among those living in the southern part of the country or on the islands, and in males than in females (3:1). In recent years the incidence rate has dropped and significant changes in the HCV transmission patterns have been observed. As a consequence of the implementation of anti-HCV screening and the introduction of increasing restrictions on donor eligibility, the proportion of cases arising from blood and blood component transfusions has significantly declined. A candidate vaccine to protect against hepatitis C virus is now under development.