Epidemiology

Germany: Between 2018 and 2020, a total of nearly 2,500 infections were reported. The actual number of infections is higher because the condition often goes unnoticed. A large number of infections are transmitted on trips abroad through contaminated drinking water or contaminated foods. Another route of transmission is sex between men.

Worldwide: about 1.5 million infections per year

Germany: Every year, thousands of people become infected; between 2018 and 2020, some 20,000 infections were reported. An estimated 0.4–0.8% of the population have a chronic infection; this percentage is higher in certain groups (e.g. people with HIV, men who have sex with men, drug users, or people from countries with high hepatitis B prevalence).

Worldwide: In 2019, about 300 million people had a chronic infection, which is equivalent to roughly 3.9% of the global population; this percentage is considerably higher in some groups and countries. According to estimates, 1.5 million people become infected with hepatitis B every year.

Germany: Every year, thousands of people become infected; between 2018 and 2020, some 16,000 infections were reported. An estimated 0.3% of the population has a chronic infection (this percentage is higher in people with HIV).

Worldwide: There are about 60 million people with a chronic infection worldwide, which is equivalent to roughly 1% of the global population; this percentage is considerably higher in some groups and countries. Every year, some 1.5 million people become infected with hepatitis C.