Hepatitis B Transmission Quick Facts
Some individuals are chronic asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B, but the hepatitis B virus is most often spread by
* sexual contact with an infected partner
* needles shared by intravenous drug users
* contaminated blood products.
Other means of transmitting hepatitis B include open skin lesions such as those due to
* impetigo,
* scabies, and
* scratched insect bites. These can be a source of the hepatitis b virus under certain circumstances.
Also, anyone who works in certain health care facilities is at risk because they may come in contact with infected individuals or work with infected fluids. These health care facilities include dental and laboratory settings.
Blood that has been donated is now screened thoroughly at blood donation centers in most developed countries. But receiving a blood transfusion in some areas of the world may be risky.
Cosmetic procedures, tattooing or body piercing can result in a hepatitis B infection if the needles and equipment used are not properly sterilized. Be sure the person or facility doing these procedures practices proper hygiene and sanitation.