The liver-ravaging hepatitis B virus might sound like something from a medical drama, but it’s a very real threat right here in the Bay Area.

Local health experts recently dropped some serious data that’ll make you sit up and take notice. Despite a decline in deaths from 2021 to 2023, hepatitis B is still throwing punches, with case rates higher than the national average.

The Invisible Threat

Dr. Amy Tang from North East Medical Services is sounding the alarm. She’s seeing some surprising trends - an unexpected increase in newly diagnosed cases among Black, Latino, and white men. “It’s a wake-up call that we need to focus on vaccination,” Tang emphasizes.

Behind the Numbers

The city’s Department of Public Health hadn’t published a report on hepatitis B since 2016, leaving a massive information gap. COVID-19 derailed their tracking efforts, but they’re back with fresh data that reveals some critical insights.

What You Need to Know

Research shows only one-third of chronic hepatitis B patients in the U.S. actually access treatment. The challenge? Getting accurate diagnoses is complicated, with most cases classified as “probable” rather than confirmed.

Local advocates like Richard So are pushing for broader screening and awareness, hoping to transform hepatitis B from a silent killer into a preventable condition. The message is clear: get informed, get tested, and take control of your health.