Hepatitis B remains a significant public health concern in Hong Kong, affecting approximately one in 20 residents, many of whom are unaware they carry the virus. The infection, which can lead to serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, is largely transmitted from mother to child, accounting for over 90 percent of chronic cases in the city.
Hong Kong’s government estimates that around 410,000 people live with hepatitis B, yet nearly 40 percent do not know they are infected. Of those who are aware, 70 percent reportedly do not receive regular medical follow-up, increasing the risk of complications. Medical experts emphasize that hepatitis B often progresses silently, with patients showing no symptoms for decades while liver damage accumulates.
The virus is highly infectious—approximately 100 times more so than HIV and ten times more than hepatitis C—and can survive on surfaces outside the body for up to a week. Despite this, many carriers remain asymptomatic for long periods, making regular screening essential. Chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer in Hong Kong, contributing to the disease’s status as the city’s fifth most common cancer and third-leading cause of cancer-related death.
Specialists highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance to detect early signs of liver cancer. Routine ultrasound scans and blood tests every six months are recommended for chronic carriers to enable early intervention, including surgical options such as resection. The government has introduced a “Hepatitis B co-care scheme” to increase access to free screening and subsidized management through primary care services.
In 2024, the Liver Foundation, a local non-governmental organization focused on liver health, launched the Hepatitis Testing Express service, offering free screenings to all Hong Kong residents. Despite these initiatives, stigma and misinformation remain widespread. Many mistakenly associate hepatitis exclusively with drug use or alcohol abuse, while in reality, vertical transmission from mother to child remains the primary route. Additionally, misconceptions persist about hepatitis C, although modern antiviral treatments cure the vast majority of cases within months.
Health professionals urge the public to recognize that feeling well does not equate to being free of infection. As Dr. Wong Sze-man, a general practitioner in Hong Kong, notes, chronic hepatitis B and C often manifest no symptoms for years, leading to late diagnoses and higher mortality rates.
Medical experts recommend several preventive measures to protect liver health: vaccination against hepatitis A and B; regular antibody testing especially for travelers; strict hygiene practices including avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes; ensuring sterile conditions for tattoos and piercings; safe food and water consumption in endemic areas; practicing safe sex; and limiting alcohol intake while avoiding unverified supplements.
With effective vaccines available and improved screening services expanding, early detection and management of hepatitis B can reduce its burden. However, increased public awareness and surveillance are critical to addressing the hidden prevalence and health risks associated with this persistent viral infection in Hong Kong.