Sexually Transmitted Diseases  >  Tracking the Hidden Epidemics 2000 (1999 data)

<< Previous

Table of Contents

Next >>

A Closer Look at Hepatitis B

BY GENDER

The incidence of acute hepatitis B is higher among men than women. This difference is believed to reflect a higher prevalence of behavioral risk factors among males.

BY AGE

In the United States, adults and adolescents account for the majority of reported cases of acute hepatitis B, with the highest incidence rates observed among 25 to 39 year olds. Sexual transmission is the most common mode of transmission of HBV among adults and adolescents. According to data reported by sentinel counties in 1996, 40 percent of acute hepatitis B were attributed to high-risk heterosexual practices-more than one partner in the prior six months, history of other STDs-and 18 percent were associated with homosexual activity. Other risk factors associated with acute hepatitis B include injecting drug use (15 percent), household contact with another person infected with HBV (three percent), and health care employment (two percent) (Mast, CDC, 1998).

An estimated 20,000 infants are born to mothers infected with hepatitis B each year. Providing the infant with treatment immediately after birth can prevent infection in 90 to 95 percent of cases. Pregnant women should be screened for HBV to detect infection and ensure the best treatment for themselves and their infants.

BY RACE/ETHNICITY

According to seroprevalence data for the general U.S. population from NHANES iii, the prevalence of Hepatitis B is higher among African Americans-12 percent-than among whites-three percent- or Mexican Americans-4.4 percent.

<< Previous

Table of Contents

Next >>