•  
  •  

Who Is Affected by Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is one of the most easily spread (contagious) forms of viral hepatitis, which include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

  • About 46,000 new hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections occurred in the United States in 2006.1
  • About 1.2 million Americans have long-term (chronic) hepatitis B, and many acquired their infection in childhood.1
  • In the U.S., hepatitis B is most common in people ages 25 to 44.1 People at greatest risk for HBV infection are those who inject illegal drugs, those who have more than one sex partner, and men who have sex with men.2
  • Each year, about 3,000 people die in the U.S. from illnesses related to HBV infection.1
  • Black teenagers and young adults become infected with HBV 3 to 4 times more often than those who are white.2
  • Worldwide, chronic HBV infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

Citations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). Hepatitis B: Frequently asked questions for health professionals. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HBV/HBVfaq.htm.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (2006). Hepatitis B. In LK Pickering, ed., Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 27th ed., pp. 335–355. Elk Grove, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven L. Flamm, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised November 11, 2010

Last Revised: November 11, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Steven L. Flamm, MD - Gastroenterology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.