Shock Rise in Hepatitis B Diagnoses Across North East Revealed

Newcastle upon Tyne has once again recorded the highest number of hepatitis B diagnoses in the North East, according to the latest public health figures, highlighting the continuing importance of testing, vaccination and early intervention across the region.

A new report published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that hepatitis B diagnoses across the North East remained elevated throughout 2024, with Newcastle accounting for more cases than any other local authority area. While health experts stress that the region continues to perform strongly in vaccination coverage and prevention efforts, the latest figures show that the virus remains a significant public health concern.

Newcastle Leads the Region for Hepatitis B Cases.

The report found that 275 new laboratory-confirmed hepatitis B cases were recorded across the North East during 2024. Of those, 71 cases were identified in Newcastle upon Tyne, the highest number recorded by any local authority in the region.

Sunderland followed with 51 cases, while Middlesbrough reported 40 and County Durham recorded 38. Although Newcastle has the highest number of cases overall, Middlesbrough recorded the highest rate relative to its population, with 25.6 cases per 100,000 residents. Newcastle's rate stood at 22.1 per 100,000 people.

The figures demonstrate how hepatitis B remains present in communities across the North East despite years of public health campaigns aimed at reducing transmission and increasing awareness.

Long-Term Increase Raises Questions.

While the increase between 2023 and 2024 was relatively small at around 1.5%, the longer-term picture is more striking.

Over the past decade, new hepatitis B diagnoses in the North East have increased by more than 77%. Health experts believe this rise is partly linked to improved testing programmes, increased screening opportunities and the recovery of healthcare services following disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2015, the region recorded 155 cases. By 2024, that figure had climbed to 275.

The North East's diagnosis rate of 10 cases per 100,000 residents remains below the England average of 21.4 per 100,000. However, specialists say the upward trend highlights the need for continued vigilance.

More Testing Means More Diagnoses.

One of the key findings from the report is the significant increase in hepatitis B testing.

Nearly 25,000 people across the North East underwent hepatitis B surface antigen testing during 2024. This represents a dramatic rise compared with testing levels recorded a decade ago.

Public health officials say increased testing helps identify infections earlier, allowing patients to receive monitoring and treatment before serious liver complications develop.

The data also showed that GP surgeries recorded the highest positivity rate among testing locations, with 1.1% of tests returning positive results. Hospitals accounted for more than half of known testing locations linked to newly diagnosed cases.

Expanded blood-borne virus testing programmes across England have also contributed to more infections being identified that may previously have gone undetected.

Men and Women Affected Differently.

The report highlighted notable differences in the age groups most affected by hepatitis B.

Among men, the highest number of cases occurred in those aged between 35 and 44 years old. For women, the largest proportion of diagnoses was found in the 25 to 34 age group.

Overall, males accounted for almost 58% of all diagnosed cases in the region, compared with 42% among females.

Health professionals often use this type of demographic information to help target awareness campaigns and screening initiatives towards groups most at risk.

Thousands Living With Hepatitis B Across the North East.

Modelling carried out by health experts estimates that around 7,950 people are currently living with chronic hepatitis B in the North East.

The estimated prevalence rate for the region stands at 0.36%, meaning thousands of residents may require long-term monitoring or treatment to reduce the risk of severe liver disease.

Nationally, the situation is even more significant. Researchers estimate that approximately 268,767 people are living with hepatitis B in England.

The World Health Organization has set a target to eliminate hepatitis B as a major public health threat by 2030. However, national reports indicate England is not yet on track to meet all diagnosis and treatment targets required to achieve that goal.

Hospital Admissions Continue to Rise.

While diagnosis figures attract significant attention, hospital admissions provide another important measure of the disease's impact.

The report shows there were approximately 315 hospital admissions involving acute or chronic hepatitis B in the North East during 2024. This represented an increase from 245 admissions recorded the previous year.

Although the North East continues to record lower admission rates than the national average, the increase suggests healthcare services are continuing to manage the consequences of hepatitis B infection across the region.

Health experts warn that untreated chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious complications including liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Vaccination Success Provides Encouragement.

Despite the challenges, the report also contains positive news for Newcastle and the wider North East.

Vaccination coverage remains among the strongest aspects of the region's response to hepatitis B. More than 95% of children received the recommended three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule by the age of two during the 2024-25 financial year.

This figure remains comfortably above the World Health Organization's target and reflects the success of routine childhood immunisation programmes.

Newcastle also achieved 100% coverage in certain high-risk infant vaccination groups, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted prevention measures.

Health officials continue to emphasise vaccination as one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis B infection and reduce future disease burden.

Public Health Challenges Remain.

Although vaccination rates are high, other findings suggest continued challenges.

Among people who inject drugs, hepatitis B vaccine uptake reached 60.6% in the North East. While this represented an improvement on previous years, it remains below the level many health experts would like to see.

The report also found increases in the sharing of needles and injecting equipment among some groups, a factor known to increase the risk of blood-borne virus transmission.

Public health teams continue to focus on harm reduction services, education programmes and community outreach to reduce transmission risks and encourage testing.

What This Means for Newcastle.

For Newcastle residents, the latest figures serve as a reminder that hepatitis B remains a relevant health issue despite advances in prevention and treatment.

The city recorded the highest number of cases anywhere in the North East, making it a key focus for ongoing public health efforts. At the same time, strong vaccination coverage, improved testing programmes and increasing awareness provide reasons for optimism.

Health experts say early diagnosis remains one of the most important tools in preventing long-term complications. Anyone concerned about potential exposure or risk factors is encouraged to speak with their GP or local healthcare provider about testing options.

As Newcastle continues to grow and healthcare services expand, maintaining high levels of awareness and access to screening will be crucial in helping the city contribute to the national goal of reducing hepatitis B infections and improving long-term health outcomes.

Share your views about the latest Hep B figures below.

What do you think about the latest hepatitis B figures in Newcastle and the wider North East?