Which individual is at the highest risk for developing Hepatitis C?

The individual with a history of intravenous drug misuse is at the highest risk for developing Hepatitis C. This is primarily because the virus is most commonly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, which is frequently associated with shared needles or other equipment used for injecting drugs. Individuals who engage in intravenous drug use are particularly vulnerable because they may share syringes and other paraphernalia, increasing the likelihood of hepatitis C transmission.

Additionally, Hepatitis C can remain viable outside the human body for several hours, making the chance of infection from not only shared needles but also contaminated surfaces a significant risk. This group faces a higher prevalence and incidence of the virus compared to individuals without such risk factors.

Other options represent individuals who may have their own health concerns but do not present as high a risk for Hepatitis C transmission. The 28-year-old male who has never used drugs shows no risk factors related to Hepatitis C transmission. The 45-year-old female with a history of alcohol abuse may have liver health issues, but her risk for Hepatitis C does not compare to individuals who misuse intravenous drugs. Lastly, the 50-year-old female who travels frequently does not inherently possess conditions that would increase the risk of Hepatitis C, unless she has additional high-risk