Death of hepatitis B discoverer highlights disease prevalence

Baruch S. Blumberg, the first scientist to identify the hepatitis B virus and develop a treatment for the disease, died recently from a heat attack, according to an article published in the New York Times. For many people who have been affected by the virus, the researcher's passing underscores the medical advancements that have allowed for the treatment of this and other communicable diseases.

The news provider explained that Blumberg first recognized hepatitis B in 1967 and subsequently established blood tests and vaccines for the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is most commonly spread through the exchange of infected blood. However, it can also be transmitted through sexual fluids during intercourse, the organization notes.

Despite available testing and vaccines, the CDC reports that as many as 1.4 million Americans suffer from hepatitis B. Individuals who have a high risk of contracting the virus include injection drug users and people who have unprotected sex with multiple partners.