HEPATITIS B

ABOUT

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is spread by exposure to HBV infected blood or body fluid. In the United States, the most common methods of transmission include: intravenous drug use and sexual intercourse. HBV can take 30 to 180 days to show symptoms in someone who is infected.

The hepatitis B virus can cause both acute and chronic infections. Many experience no signs or symptoms. Others may develop a rapid onset of sickness, including: nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and/or eyes), fatigue, dark urine, and abdominal pain. Often, the body can fight off the infection, and develop immunity to the hepatitis B virus. Although, those who do not recover from the infection develop what is known as chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong infection that can progress to conditions such as hardening of the liver, scarring, and even liver cancer.

COMMUNITY

• CDC Information: Hepatitis B
• CDC Hepatitis B: Informational Brochure (Español)
• CDC FAQ: Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B: Vaccine Information
• Hepatitis B: Perinatal Information
• Hepatitis B Foundation

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

• Report within 24 HOURS to the local health department.
• CDC Brochures for Patients
• FAQ for Health Professionals
• Who Should be Tested
• WV Division of Immunization Services: Vaccine Information
• CDC Serology Training

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

• WV Surveillance Protocol: Hepatitis B
• WV Surveillance Protocol: HAI
• CDC HAI Protocol: Hepatitis B
• CDC VPD Surveillance Manual: Hepatitis B
• The Pink Book: Hepatitis B
• Acute/Chronic Hepatitis B Report Form
• Perinatal Hepatitis B Report Form
• Case Definition: Hepatitis B Acute and Chronic
• Case Definition: Hepatitis B Perinatal
• WVEDSS
• ​OLS Submission Form
• Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Case Management: Guidance for State, Territorial, and Local Health Departments

DATA AND SURVEILLANCE

• 2022 WV Summary Report​
• 2021 WV Summary Report
  
• 2020 WV Summary Report
• 2016 WV Summary Report
• 2012-2015 WV Summary Report
• 2016 WV Surveillance Evaluation
• 2015 WV Surveillance Evaluation
• 2014 WV Surveillance Evaluation