Bloodborne Pathogens Guide  Hepatitis B Hepatitis B (formerly
known as serum Hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a virus.
The disease is fairly common; more than 2,000 cases are reported
in New York State each year. Who gets Hepatitis B? Anyone can
get Hepatitis B, but those at greater risk include:   • Drug
abusers who share needles.   • Certain healthcare workers who
have contact with infected blood.   • Homosexual males,
particularly those with multiple partners.   • People in
custodial care (in settings such as developmental centers).   •
Hemodialysis patients.   • Certain household contacts of an
infected person.   • Infants born to mothers who are Hepatitis B
carriers. How is the virus spread? What are the symptoms of
Hepatitis B? The symptoms of Hepatitis B include fatigue, poor
appetite, fever, vomiting and occasionally joint pain, hives or
rash. Urine may become darker in color and then jaundice (a
yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) may appear. Some
individuals may experience few or no