Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B basics
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the
hepatitis B virus, which is commonly known as HBV.
The hepatitis B virus attacks the liver.
A lifelong infection can result, leading to cirrhosis, liver
cancer, and/or liver failure. It can be life threatening.
Hepatitis B can be extremely mild, exhibiting
no symptoms. It can also be severe, resulting in
fulminant hepatitis, or acute liver failure. Fulminant
hepatitis is rare, but it is potentially fatal.
Hepatitis B infections result from contact with
blood or blood-derived fluids.
A vaccine designed to prevent hepatitis B is
available. It protects all age groups.
In the United States and other developed
countries, children and adolescents are routinely vaccinated
against hepatitis B.
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Who's at risk from hepatitis B?
Historically, the following groups have shown
the most likelihood of becoming infected with the hepatitis B
virus
People between age 20 and age 49.
Those who have unprotected sex with someone who
has hepatitis B.
Injection-drug users often get hepatitis B by
sharing needles.
People who live in the same household as
someone who has hepatitis B.
Where is hepatitis B prevalent?
Chronic hepatitis B rates are low in Northern
and Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand,
Mexico, and Southern South America. Hepatitis B rates in these
areas are believed to be below 2 percent.
About 60,000 people are infected with the
hepatitis B virus annually in the United States. The numbers
have been steadily declining since the early 1980's.
Estimated 1.25 million Americans are currently
believed to be chronically infected with hepatitis B. 20-30
percent of those who are infected probably acquired hepatitis B
during childhood.
Hepatitis B infection rates are somewhat
higher, between 2 and 7 percent, South Central and Southwest
Asia, Israel, Japan, Eastern and Southern Europe, Russia,
Honduras, and Guatemala and in the vicinity of the Amazon River
basin, .
Hepatitis B rates are considered to be high
(above 8 percent) in all of Africa, Southeast Asia, including
China, Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, South and Western
Pacific islands, the Middle East, (but not including Israel),
and certain parts of the Caribbean.
Related articles: Symptoms of Hepatitis B,
How Is Hepatitis B
Transmitted? Hepatitis B Treatment,
Is There a Hepatitis B
Vaccine?
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