Acute Hepatitis B Sentinel County Study: 1982-98
Currently, HBV causes 34% of viral hepatitis
Decline in incidence by 76% between 1987-98
20% hospitalized, 1% fatal
Gradual rise in median age (27 to 32 yrs)
More common in men than women
African-Americans > Hispanic whites > whites
Current proportions with risk factors
- Injection drug use: 14%
- Men who has sex with men: 15%
- Heterosexual activity: 40%
- Occupational exposure: 2%