How is HBV transmitted?
HBV is transmitted through activities that involve percutaneous (i.e., puncture through the skin) or mucosal contact with infectious blood or body fluids (e.g., semen, saliva), including
Sex with an infected partner
Injection drug use that involves sharing needles, syringes, or drug-preparation equipment
Birth to an infected mother
Contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
Needle sticks or sharp instrument exposures
Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
HBV is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, hand holding, coughing, or sneezing.
How long does HBV survive outside the body?
HBV can survive outside the body at least 7 days and still be capable of causing infection (5).
What should be used to remove HBV from environmental surfaces?
Any blood spills — including dried blood, which can still be infectious — should be cleaned using 1:10 dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts of water for disinfecting the area. Gloves should be worn when cleaning up any blood spills.
Who is at risk for HBV infection?
The following populations are at increased risk of becoming infected with HBV:
Infants born to infected mothers
Sex partners of infected persons
Men who have sex with men
Injection drug users
Household contacts or sexual partners of known persons with chronic HBV infection
Health care and public safety workers at risk for occupational exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body fluids, and
Hemodialysis patients
