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Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
In the United States, the prevalence and impact of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) in the workplace are significant concerns for employers.
Prevalence:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 862,000 people are
living with chronic Hepatitis B,
and around 2.4 million people
have chronic Hepatitis C in the
United States (CDC, 2021)1.
While the overall prevalence of
these infections has declined in
recent years, certain populations
and workplace settings continue to face a higher risk of exposure and transmission (Wasley, Kruszon-Moran, Kuhnert, & Simard, 2010)2.
Workplace Prevalence:
Certain occupations and industries have a higher prevalence of HBV and HCV infections, particularly those involving exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). These high-risk occupations include healthcare workers, first responders, and workers in settings such as correctional facilities, waste management, and laboratories (Beltrami, Williams, Shapiro, & Chamberland, 2000)3.
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