Hepatitis B
Key facts
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause
both acute and chronic disease.
The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during
birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body
fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or
exposures to sharp instruments.
WHO estimates that 296 million people were living with chronic
hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million new infections each
year.
In 2019, hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820 000 deaths, mostly
from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer).
Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and
effective.
Overview
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the
hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major global health problem. It can cause
chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and
liver cancer.
A safe and effective vaccine that offers 98% to 100% protection against
hepatitis B is available. Preventing hepatitis B infection averts the
development of complications including chronic disease and liver cancer.
Transmission
Key facts
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause
both acute and chronic disease.
The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during
birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body
fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or
exposures to sharp instruments.
WHO estimates that 296 million people were living with chronic
hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million new infections each
year.
In 2019, hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820 000 deaths, mostly
from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer).
Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and
effective.
Overview
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the
hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major global health problem. It can cause
chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and
liver cancer.
A safe and effective vaccine that offers 98% to 100% protection against
hepatitis B is available. Preventing hepatitis B infection averts the
development of complications including chronic disease and liver cancer.
Transmission
