The CDC estimates there are 140,000 to 320,000 new infections per year in the United States. The CDC also estimates that each year, approximately 5,000 people in the United States die of cirrhosis of the liver as a result of Hepatitis B and another 1,500 will die of liver cancer. The Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted perinatally, sexually or through direct contact with blood via non-intact skin, mucous membrane or sharing of needles.
Symptoms can be mild and even be passed off as a touch of the flu.
Hepatitis B. Some of the test results the Bureau received were done as part of a prenatal or pregnancy screen. The bureau refers Hepatitis B case reports to the Immunization Bureau so the household members can be tested and vaccinated when indicated.