Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Two thirds of people who have chronic hepatitis B are not aware of their infection. Hepatitis B screening tests are recommended by CDC for all adults and treatments are available to prevent serious outcomes.
Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent this infection.ā