In Iceland, screening for hepatitis B generally occurs during pregnancy care and as part of health assessments for residence permits. The Chief Epidemiologist is now advocating for expanded hepatitis B screening, especially in contexts related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other blood- and fluid-borne diseases. This includes instances where individuals are diagnosed with or request testing for an STI, or when being screened for hepatitis C and HIV, such as among people who inject drugs or those in prisons.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Globally, the most common mode of transmission is from mother to child during childbirth. Like HIV and hepatitis C, hepatitis B can spread through sexual contact and needle-stick injuries, particularly in healthcare settings. Unlike HIV and hepatitis C, however, hepatitis B is a more resilient virus and can be contagious within households, including among children in daycare settings.

Children infected at birth rarely develop acute hepatitis but are at high risk of chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. Adults who contract hepatitis B are more likely than infants to develop acute symptoms (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and jaundice) and often clear the virus on their own. However, due to the long incubation period, there is a risk of transmission to sexual partners and household members even before symptoms appear.

Prevention and Treatment

Antiviral treatments are available for hepatitis B, though their effectiveness is generally lower than for hepatitis C.

Vaccination against hepatitis B is a highly effective preventive measure and is recommended in Iceland under the following circumstances:

• Children born to mothers with hepatitis B.

• Household members of people with hepatitis B.

• Healthcare workers exposed to bodily fluids.

• People with kidney failure requiring dialysis.

• Individuals with other liver diseases that increase the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis, such as hepatitis C.

• People who inject drugs.

• Individuals traveling abroad for extended stays (at least four weeks), due to heightened exposure risks.

• Men who have sex with men.
  

See also the section on hepatitis B on the website of the Directorate of Health.

The Chief Epidemiologist