Allysa L.

Padasdao Communicable Disease BSN 1-M

HEPATITIS B
What is Hepatitis B?
 Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can cause a chronic infection and
puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
o Hepatitis B virus was discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg who won the Novel Prize for
his discovery. Originally, the virus was called the “Australian Antigen” because it was named for
an Australian Aborigine’s blood sample that reacted with an antibody in the serum of an
American hemophilia patient.
 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), Hepatitis B affects approximately
296 million people, including over 6 million children under the age of 5. It contributes to an estimated
820,000 deaths every year. 25% of chronic hepatitis B infections progress to liver cancer.
What causes Hepatitis B?
 Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), which is primarily transmitted through direct
contact with infected blood, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, and unprotected sexual contact.
Also, sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, or other items that may encounter infected
blood can potentially transmit the virus. In addition to that, it can be passed from a mother to her baby
during childbirth.
What are the symptoms of having Hepatitis B?
 The symptoms for having hepatitis B are fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowish skin and
sclera), dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, joint pain.
o Dark urine is produced when the liver can't clean the blood properly. This occurs due to the
accumulation of bilirubin, an orange-yellow substance, in both the bloodstream and urine,
potentially causing the urine to adopt a brown color.
How to prevent Hepatitis B?
 Hepatitis B prevention methods include receiving the hepatitis B vaccination, practicing safe sex,
refraining from sharing needles or other drug-related equipment, ensuring proper sterilization of medical
tools, and avoiding the sharing of personal items. Also, washing the hands thoroughly with soap and
water after coming into contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/diseases/hepatitis-b/data/fast-facts.html#:~:text=Hepatitis%20B
%20affects%20approximately%20296,infections%20progress%20to%20liver%20cancer

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/symptoms-causes/syc-20366802