At Risk Children
300 million people around the world are infected with the Hepatitis B virus, and 1-2 million die of it every year. Most of these people acquired the infection at birth or as young children. The hepatitis B virus is the second most common cause of cancer in humans, after tobacco smoke. Apart from liver cancer, hepatitis B also gives rise to acute hepatitis, which can cause death when severe, and chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, which also causes death over several years.
In children, the virus multiplies slowly and persists in the body, causing slow liver damage. This state is known as the chornic carrier state, in which the person has the virus in the liver and blood, but no signs of disease. These people are infectious to others. Most children who acquire the infection at birth soon after become chronic carriers. In contrast, adults who get the infection have an acute illness, followed by clearance of the virus. Thus protection of children by vaccination is important.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov
