Why Is It So Common in the API Community?

Nationally, there are about 1.3-1.5 million Americans with chronic hepatitis B.  More than half of those are APIs.  Although the virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing infected needles or household items, or blood transfusions, a very common way APIs get the virus is from the mother (who is chronically infected) to child during birth.
 
The virus is not transmitted through casual contact (hugging or kissing).