The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is vaccination. The vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection in infants and for long-term protection into adulthood.

The virus is found in blood, saliva, semen and other bodily fluids, even tears, and it can live on surfaces for up to seven days. A child with a wound who comes into contact with that surface — even days later — could become infected, says Anita Patel, a pediatrician and pediatric critical care physician in Washington, D.C.

Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal liver disease. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids, and certain groups including health care workers and IV drug users are at higher risk. Anyone can be infected. Babies can be infected during childbirth or ...