Hepatitis B (HBV) is the most serious type of viral hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization around 2 billion people worldwide are infected each year. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 1.25 million people currently have chronic hepatitis B. Individuals with chronic hepatitis B spread the infection to approximately 60,000 people each year and 5,000 people die annually from hepatitis B complications.
There is more than one type of hepatitis, but all effect the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by the HBV virus, and can be spread from mother to child during birth; it can be spread during unprotected sex, and by the use of infected needles.
Hepatitis can cause the liver to stop functioning or it may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, severe illness and even death. There are medications available to help stop the progression of the illness and there are vaccinations available to stop the spread of the disease.