This is the saddest post I've read so far. I can't imagine that a baby could be raped without skin damage. I pray she overcomes this and has no diseases on top of everything else. She certainly needs to be tested.
I have been contemplating this question since 1967 - well hepB until I was dx w/ hepC last year. On the one hand they say 40% are unknown source (is that for type 1?), on the other they seem to stick with transfusions & transplants as the reason. For hepB they include sex. How come they never include various blood flinging activities, like being in a violent household? When my ex was around it was a regular thing. The last time he bit me leaving 10 puncture wounds. Wouldn't be unfathomable for him to have had sores in his mouth. Once I realized his lifestyle I got tested for STD's & that's when they found the hepC. Don't know how or when I got it.
So sorry to hear about your niece, thats awful..Hepatitis C is blood to blood transmission. Currently there is no shot for hepatitis C, the nurse was probably referring to the vaccine for Hep A/B. There are many ways to contract Hep C, but remember they have to be blood borne. I hope this helps you.
Most common transmission of Hep C is blood transfusions (before they tested the blood supply) and sharing needles.
Less common is sexual transmission unless trauma and blood is involved. Sharing tooth brushes, nail files and other personal items that might contain blood are also possible ways of transmission.
You cannot get Hepatitis C by kissing, hugging, or drinking after someone.
I doubt very much your daughter contracted Hepatitis C, but you really should get her tested so you won't have to worry. Just a simple blood test.
Very sorry about what happened to her.
I'm sorry about your niece & her having to deal with such problems at her age. Pls go to this excellent web site to learn more about HCV....
http://janis7hepc.com/index.htm
Best of luck,
Ben