Viral Hepatitis B, 2018

In 2018, 16 cases of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (0.3 per 100,000 population) were reported. In 2012, the case definition for acute hepatitis B was revised to include laboratory confirmed asymptomatic acute cases. Five of the 16 cases were asymptomatic, laboratoryconfirmed infections.

The median age of cases was 45 years (range 17 to 67). Eighteen (78%) cases were residents of the metropolitan area, including 7 (30%) in Hennepin County, and 8 (35%) in Ramsey County. Sixteen (70%) cases were male, and 11 (48%) were between 13-39 years of age. Race was known for 21 cases; of those, 11 were white, 5 were black, and 5 were Asian/Pacific Islander. No cases were of Hispanic ethnicity. Incidence rates were higher among Asians (0.2 per 100,000) and blacks (1.6 per 100,000), than among non-Hispanic whites (0.2 per 100,000).The median age of cases was 46 years (range 22 to 69). Eleven (69%) cases were residents of the metropolitan area. Twelve (75%) cases were male. Race was known for all 16 cases; 7 were white, 4 were black, 3 were Asian/ Pacific Islander, 1 was American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1 was multiracial. No cases were of Hispanic ethnicity.

Two hundred forty-two reports of newly identified cases of confirmed chronic HBV infection were received in 2018. A total of 25,335 persons are estimated to be alive and living in Minnesota with chronic HBV infection. The median age of chronic HBV cases in Minnesota is 46 years.

In 2018, there were no perinatal hepatitis B infections identified in infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers. Three hundred seventy-eight infants born to hepatitis B-positive women during 2017 had post-serologic testing demonstrating no infection.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis B
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2018