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What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

How is it spread?

It is spread through infected blood or body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions or saliva.  These infected fluids must enter the non-infected person’s blood system through an open cut, intravenously or through mucus membranes such as the mouth or vagina.

Who is at risk of having Hepatitis B?

• Babies born to mothers who are Hepatitis B carriers
• Household members and sexual contacts of infected individuals
• People with occupations in which there is increased exposure to blood and body fluids.  (i.e. physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, law enforcement officers, community personal service workers)
• People who use injection drugs or share drug-related equipment
• People who come from parts of the world that have high rates of Hepatitis B (i.e. Asia, Africa, Southern Europe, Pacific Islands)
• People with a history of liver disease
• People with multiple sexual partners

I am pregnant.  Is there a risk to my unborn child?

Yes.  There is a high risk that a pregnant woman with Hepatitis B will pass the virus to her child during or after birth.  When a child is infected early in life, there is a 90% chance that he/she will develop chronic Hepatitis B infection.  This may lead to severe liver disease later in life.

A test is routinely done at an early prenatal visit.  If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B in the past, or you believe you may have the virus, notify your doctor.  Blood tests can be done to confirm your Hepatitis B status.

If you test positive for HBV, be assured that the baby will not get infected during your pregnancy. Your doctor will arrange for immunization to be given to your baby immediately after birth. Two more doses will be given at one and six months after birth. A blood test will be done one month after the final injection to confirm that your baby has developed antibodies to protect him/her against the HBV.

For more information contact the communicable disease team at the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.