For more information on this
investigation, see Hepatitis Investigation at
Pain Clinic, 2010-2011,
Questions and
Answers,
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Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the
hepatitis B virus (germ). The virus enters the blood
stream, attacks the liver, causes illness and may even
cause death. Hepatitis B can cause either short-term
(acute) or long-term (chronic) infection. Acute ion ranges from asymptomatic or mild disease
to--rarely--fulminant hepatitis. Disease is more severe
among adults aged >60 years. Approximately 95% of adults
recover completely from HBV infection and do not become
chronically infected.
The signs and symptoms of HBV infection vary by age.
Most children under age 5 years and newly infected
immunosuppressed adults are asymptomatic, whereas
30%__50% of persons aged > 5 years have initial
signs and symptoms. When present, signs and symptoms can
include
Persons with chronic HBV infection might be
asymptomatic, have no evidence of liver disease, or have
a spectrum of disease ranging from chronic hepatitis to
cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver
cancer).
Symptoms begin an average of 90 days (range: a60--150
days) after exposure to HBV. They typically last for
several weeks but can persist for up to 6 months.
The
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH)
is investigating viral hepatitis infections in people who received intravenous
medication (injection of medications
into the vein) while receiving procedures at the Advanced Pain Treatment Center in San Pedro, California between January 16, 2006 and August 18, 2010. LACDPH recommends that
patients who received intravenous medication at this
clinic during that time to
contact their primary care
physicians or health care providers to get tested for
hepatitis B and hepatitis
C and HIV. LACDPH is notifying these people and their primary physicians or
healthcare providers (based on their medical records at
this clinic).