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Show Infectious Diseases Hepatitis B Compiled by Ameya P. Nayate 2002 Utah Reported Hepatitis B Cases: 53 Hepatitis B is a serious disease of the liver, caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). This virus can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. HBV is usually passed via blood or body fluid contact with an infected person, especially from infected children who often do not exhibit signs or symptoms of the disease. Risk factors for being infected with Hepatitis B include: multiple sex partners, sexual or household contact with infected persons, and illegal drug use. On average in the U.S., Hepatitis B infected about 260,000 individuals annually during the 1980s. This number decreased dramatically to about 78,000 cases in 2001. In 1996, Hepatitis B cases reached their peak in Utah, with 129 new cases. Due, in part, to increased education and immunization programs, that number has steadily declined, and only 25 new cases were reported in the state in 2001. hi 2002, however, the number of reported cases jumped to 53 (Table 1). hi 1991, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices established a strategy to ensure the prevention of Hepatitis B transmission by providing routine vaccination of infants, children, adolescents, and adults in high-risk groups. In Utah, Hepatitis B vaccination is required for school entry. From 1996-2000, Hepatitis B immunization rates for children aged 19-35 months were lower in Utah than elsewhere in the U.S. Figure 1. Reported New Cases of Hepatitis B, Utah, 1991-2000. Estimated New Reported New Year Infections Infections 1991 193,000 17911 1992 175,000 16126 1993 144,000 13361 1994 133,000 12517 1995 113,000 10805 1996 112,000 10637 1997 110,000 10416 1998 109,000 10258 1999 79,000 7694 2000 81,000 8032 2001 7,800 7844 Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Summary of notifiable diseases. United States, 2000. MMWR 2000;49(53):82,84,86. [Online] http:// www.cdc.gov/amnwr/FDF/wkmini4953.pd£ Retrieved 3/14/03. Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology. [Online] * >t , , , , *. Retrieved 3/14/03. U.S. Census Bureau. [Online] t£//eiK s __ jj \ sle 51 srh.php Retrieved 3/14/03 Utah's Health: An Annual Review Volume DC 89 |