In a shocking revelation, a health worker at Nepean Hospital in Sydney's birth unit has allegedly been infectious with hepatitis B for over a decade, prompting urgent health alerts for mothers and newborns. The staff member was reportedly working at the hospital while being infectious from 2013 until 2024, a scenario that sends ripples of concern through the community.

Local health authorities have initiated contact with 223 women and 143 of their children, informing them they are at low risk of exposure to the virus. As of now, there are no recorded instances of patients testing positive for hepatitis B linked to this incident.

What Exactly is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily targets liver cells, distinct from other hepatitis viruses like A and C. The virus spreads through bodily fluids—most notably blood—and can enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes found in areas like the mouth or genitals.

The primary routes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, and the use of shared needles or hygiene products. Alarmingly, the hepatitis B virus can survive outside the human body for at least seven days, making it a durable threat.

In rare circumstances, outbreaks have occurred when a healthcare worker inadvertently injures themselves, thus exposing their patients to their blood during medical procedures.

Symptoms and Progression of the Disease

Individuals infected with acute hepatitis B may experience symptoms such as fever, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, extreme fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). If the infection persists beyond six months, it can become chronic, potentially leading to severe liver complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Global and Local Prevalence

Globally, hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection, affecting approximately 254 million individuals worldwide as of 2022. Each year, about 1.2 million new cases arise, with an estimated 1.1 million deaths attributed to complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Regions hardest hit include Africa and the Western Pacific.

In Australia, there were approximately 205,549 chronic hepatitis B cases reported in 2022. Each year, around 6,000 to 7,000 new cases are detected, with the majority being chronic. Alarmingly, 72% of hepatitis B cases in Australia remain undiagnosed, which could lead to further spread of the virus and prevent individuals from receiving vital treatment.

Increased Risk Groups