Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. The illness can range in severity, sometimes causing chronic illness and death.
DCHHS' Communicable Disease Control division coordinates a perinatal Hepatitis B prevention program designed to prevent transmission of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to infants delivered by infected women.
Transmission
Transmission of Hepatitis B virus results from exposure to bodily fluids from a person infected with HBV. Exposure can happen through sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
Infants born to infected mothers have a higher risk of becoming infected if they do not receive complete treatment and vaccination series for HBV. Hepatitis B infection among babies and young children often leads to serious consequences, including death from advanced liver disease.
Symptoms
Not all people with HBV infections have symptoms. However, symptoms can include:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- body aches
- mild fever
- dark urine
- and sometimes jaundice
More severe cases can cause chronic inflammation of the liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.
Diagnosis
DCHHS' Communicable Disease Control division offers additional education about HBV and initial screenings.
Appointments are required for testing. Screening tests are $35.
For information, consultation or to make an appointment, call (214) 819-2004.
Vaccination and Prevention
Hepatitis B infection is preventable. The best way to protect against HBV is to get the vaccine.
Children:
- DCHHS provides vaccines for children at the main clinic located at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway. For more information call (214) 819-2163.
- DCHHS also provides vaccines for children only at clinics in the community.
Adults:
- DCHHS provides vaccines for adults at the International Travel office located at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway. For more information call (214) 819-2162.
More Information
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/
- CDC’s Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations for Parents
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vaccine-preventable-diseases/hepatitis-b
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/texas-perinatal-hepatitis-b-prevention-program/disease-information-perinatal-hepatitis
For Healthcare Providers
- Visit the CDC website for the latest updated Hepatitis B Screening Recommendations.
- For additional information for Hepatitis B Screening, Testing, and Vaccination, visit the CDC website.
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