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Hepatitis Health Center

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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
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.
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

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 11, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.