Who Gets Hepatitis B?

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious global health problem and anyone can get it if they're not vaccinated.

About two billion people are infected worldwide, with, some 350 million chronically infected with hepatitis B, which means they may have it for the rest of their lives.1 More than one million people worldwide die from the disease every year.1 The highest number of hepatitis B cases are found in people aged 20-49.2

Hepatitis B is more common in some parts of the world than others. In some areas of Africa, Asia and the pacific, 10 percent of the population may be chronically infected.1

In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 326,000 people who are chronically infected.3 In England and Wales, unprotected sex accounts for the most cases of hepatitis B.4

Additionally, in Europe the number of chronic hepatitis B cases is approximately 15 million.5

Anyone can become infected with the hepatitis B virus. Since hepatitis B is transmitted from person to person through blood and body fluids, there are several ways that a person can get infected. Hepatitis B transmission methods can include:

• Being born to a mother who has hepatitis B.1 Pregnant women who have hepatitis B should ask their healthcare providers about vaccinating their newborn babies to protect against infection
• People who have unprotected sex with someone who is infected. People who have hepatitis B may not look sick so it is important to always use condoms
• People who use illegal drugs and share needles or syringes
• In some countries, people can also get the hepatitis B virus from visiting barbers who may not have clean razors
• In some countries, people can also get the hepatitis B virus from visiting barbers who may not have clean razors
• In some countries, people become infected with the virus during hospital stays
• Healthcare providers are also at risk for getting the hepatitis B virus and should follow proper procedures for protecting themselves including receiving the hepatitis B vaccination

References

1 World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/, accessed 8 April 2009
2 Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/fact.htm, accessed 8 April 2009
3 Hepatitis B Foundation http://www.hepb.org/patients/acute_vs_chronic.htm, accessed 8 April 2009
4 Hepatitis B Foundation UK, http://www.hepb.org.uk/information/about_hepb/1_what_is_hepatitis_b/geographical_differences_in_age_and_route_of_transmission, accessed 8 April 2009
5 Zoulim F. Virgil Presentation EASL 2005 www.virgil-net.org/about-virgil/virgileasl2005.ppt accessed 9 April 2009