Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause a serious form of hepatitis. About 1.2 million people in the United States have hepatitis B. Hepatitis B may develop into a chronic disease (which means it lasts more than 6 months) in up to 10% of the 200,000 newly infected people each year. If left untreated, the risk of developing cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer is increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
In the United States, the major risk factors for hepatitis B are unprotected sex with multiple partners and intravenous drug use.
See also Major Risk Factors for Hepatitis A, B and C.
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