Perinatal Hepatitis B
Perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) from mother to infant at birth is very efficient. Approximately 100,000 new hepatitis B cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. One third of the chronic infections are acquired perinatally or in early childhood through close household contact. The disease is largely preventable through treatment of infants born to infected mothers, as well as vaccination of individuals at risk for infection.
The Minnesota Department of Health's Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program works to identify and treat infants born to HBV-infected mothers in an effort to prevent perinatally acquired infection.
- Perinatal
Hepatitis B Basics
General information about perinatal hepatitis B, including symptoms, complications, vaccines, tests, and treatment.
- Perinatal
Hepatitis B Statistics
Annual rates of perinatal hepatitis B disease in Minnesota.
- Perinatal Hepatitis
B Information For Health Professionals
Information on perinatal hepatitis B for health professionals, including clinical information, immunization schedules, and treatment of cases and contacts.
- Reporting
Perinatal Hepatitis B
In order to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B to newborns, all cases of HBsAg-positive pregnant women should also be reported to MDH.
