Hepatitis B
* The World Health Organization groups the Middle East into its Eastern Mediterranean region and includes the Russian Federation republics with Europe.
Annual death toll:
1 million
Infection:
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus and can lead to chronic infection and permanent liver damage.
Symptoms:
Fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Transmission:
Hepatitis B is spread by sexual contact; from mother to child during pregnancy; through infected blood and the use of shared needles.
At risk:
People who have sexual contact with an infected person or who share needles.
Treatment:
None.
Vaccine:
Developed in 1981. Cost: $1.00 for the required 3 doses.