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Hepatitis B

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, the rate of acute hepatitis B (HBV) cases increased 11% from 2014 (0.9 per 100,000) to 2018 (1.0 per 100,000). The rate of infection increased even more dramatically in states most affected by the opioid crisis.
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Hepatitis B by the numbers1

Even with a safe and effective vaccine, the numbers still paint a problematic picture. That’s where we want to help.

~862K An estimated 862,000 people were living with hepatitis B in 2016
3,322 There were 3,322 reported acute cases in 2018
>50% Over 50% of acute cases were among 30 to 49 year-olds in 2018
21,600 There were 21,600 estimated acute infections in 2018
11% Between 2014 and 2018, there was an 11% increase in the rate of acute cases
70% Up to 70% of chronic hepatitis B infections in the US are among non-US-born populations

The CDC recommends that the following people be screened for HBV:

  • People born in countries with an HBV prevalence of ≥2%

  • People born in the United States not vaccinated as infants whose parents were born in regions with high rates of BV infection (HBsAg prevalence of ≥8%)

  • Men who have sex with men

  • People who inject drugs

  • People with HIV

  • Household and sexual contacts of HBV-infected people

  • People requiring immunosuppressive therapy

  • People with end-stage renal disease (including hemodialysis patients)

  • Blood and tissue donors

  • People with elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (>19 IU/L for women and >30 IU/L for men)

  • Pregnant women (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] only is recommended)

  • Infants born to HBV-infected mothers (HBsAg and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs] only are recommended)

Two risk factors associated with rising acute hepatitis B cases in the US are:1

    1. Injection drug use (IDU)

    2. Sexual transmission

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    References:

    1. Department of Health and Human Services.  National Strategic Plan 2021-2025.  Available at
      https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Viral-Hepatitis-National-Strategic-Plan-2021-2025.pdf.  Accessed, May 12, 2022.
    2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for Health Professionals.  Available at:  https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm.  Accessed on May 12, 2022.
    3. Screening Pregnant Women for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection and Screening and Referral Algorithm for hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection among Pregnant Women; https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/perinatalxmtn.htm#section2; accessed November 23, 2021.