This is a viral infection that can cause serious problems. It is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Chronic infection can cause serious liver damage, leading to fatalities.
The signs and symptoms of the infection are;
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Pain in the muscles, joints or stomach
Diarrhoea or vomiting
The Route of Spread.
It is a blood borne infection and can spread in the following ways:
From an infected pregnant mother to the child in the womb
Unprotected sexual intercourse
Unsterilised needles
Who is susceptible?
HBV can affect all individuals. Among adults the high risk groups are:
Those who are in close contact with infected persons
Health care workers
Injected drug users
Men who have sex with men
Infants born to infected mothers
Hemodialysis patients
(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)
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