norwish

It's complicated. The level of infectiousness to others varies depending on the state of the virus in the person who carries it. People with a chronic infection (long term) typically have low level infectivity. So it would be a very unlikely combination of factors coming together for transmission to occur that way.

It's the same with the Australian Aborigines, but then virtually every other kind of disease is also much higher amongst that group - especially those living in remote communities. As the article says, Hep B is largely "a disease of the poor".

> can even be spread via saliva.

While possible, is extremely unlikely. For it to be spread by saliva a) the saliva of the infected person would have to contain blood (e.g. bleeding gums) b) come into contact with an open wound in the other person (also has a cut or cold sore etc)

I'm a white, western male in my late 30's with a chronic Hep B infection, picked up as a child living in Africa. The only difference it's made in my life is having to have some awkward conversations with prospective intimate partners, having to get regular blood checks (every 6-12mths), and not being able to join the military.

The good news with Hep B is a) there is a very effective vaccine against it b) if you pick it up as an adult you have a good chance of getting rid of it. The bad news is there is no cure for chronic infections and the risk of liver disease is greatly increased. As the article mentioned, in recent years there have been breakthroughs in treatment of Hep C leading to a cure so I'm hopeful there will be a cure for Hep B in my lifetime.