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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is spread by direct contact with blood, serum, or sexual fluids of an infected person.

Symptoms include:

  • Lack of energy.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fever.
  • Nausea.
  • Jaundice (yellow color to the whites of the eyes or skin).
  • Abdominal pain.

Some persons who have hepatitis B, particularly younger children, have no symptoms. A small number of hepatitis B infections are rapidly fatal. Although most infected persons recover completely, some develop chronic, long-term hepatitis B and can spread this infection. Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure are serious risks with this disease, but may take decades to develop.

The virus is spread by direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. This can happen by sharing needles or having sex with somebody infected with hepatitis B. Transmission can also occur for people living together for a long time in the same household or institution. Infected women can pass the virus to their babies. Blood is now tested before a transfusion to prevent spreading hepatitis B. Medical personnel are at risk of exposure due to needle sticks.

Scientific Term:

Hepatitis B Virus

Generic Term:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Viral hepatitis B
  • HBV

Age Groups at Risk:

Fact Sheets:

Vaccine Info:

Vaccine Information Statements:

Related Information:

Hepatitis Resources:
 

American Liver Foundation
Phone Number: 1-800-223-0179
CDC Hepatitis Information Hotline
Phone Number: 1-888-443-7232
Communicable Disease Reports (Washington State) Hepatitis B Foundation
Phone Number: 215-489-4900
Hepatitis Foundation International
Phone Number: 1-800-891-0707
Immunization Action Coalition
Labor and Industries WISHA Services National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Phone Number: 301-654-3810
Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
Phone Number: 1-877-557-5437
PEPLine: 24-hr hotline to advise clinicians re: occupational blood exposures.
Phone Number: 1-888-448-4911
Public Health--Seattle & King County Hepatitis A & B Vaccine Initiative Among Gay and Bisexual Men University of Washington Hepatology Division
Phone number: 206-598-4956  

 

Last Update: 08/26/2008 01:58 PM