Quick Answer

Hepatitis B is a common viral infection worldwide, with an estimated 254 million people living with chronic infection as of 2022, according to WHO. In the United States, about 580,000 to 1.2 million people have chronic hepatitis B, per CDC estimates. Prevalence varies greatly by region, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia.

  • WHO estimates 254 million people had chronic hepatitis B in 2022.
  • CDC estimates 580,000 to 1.2 million US residents have chronic hepatitis B.
  • Hepatitis B spreads through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to baby.
  • Hepatitis A spreads via contaminated food or water, not blood or sex.
  • Hepatitis C spreads mainly through blood, often via shared needles.
  • In Asia, many infections occur at birth, leading to high chronic rates.

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When asking how common hepatitis B is, it helps to distinguish it from hepatitis A and C, which are different viruses with different routes of transmission. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne and sexually transmitted virus that can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. Its prevalence is not uniform - it is rare in some countries and common in others, driven by how the virus is passed, especially from mother to child. Understanding these patterns helps clarify why public health efforts focus on vaccination and screening in high-risk groups.

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⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.