Chronic hepatitis B continues to devastate Asian American communities, often undetected until irreversible damage occurs. In their report for the San Francisco Public Press, Zhe Wu and Mel Baker reveal how this “silent killer” disproportionately affects Asian Americans, who make up just 7% of the U.S. population but account for more than half of all chronic hepatitis B cases.
The virus is often contracted at birth and remains asymptomatic for decades. “I’m not the type to go see a doctor for no reason,” said Tony Lau, a San Francisco contractor who discovered his infection only after a routine check-up. Without early screening, many like Lau risk liver cancer or the need for transplants.
CDC data shows Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are 11 times more likely to be affected than non-Hispanic whites. In California, they represent 15.5% of the population but more than half of newly reported cases. Yet screening remains inconsistent, and federal funding cuts have weakened surveillance and research efforts.
Dr. Maurizio Bonacini of UCSF is leading a clinical trial that could raise cure rates to 50%, but recruiting diverse participants has been difficult. “When people with hep B realize that a cure is possible, they will be greatly interested,” he said.
Community efforts like Hep B Free in San Francisco have helped, but advocates stress the need for universal screening and culturally sensitive outreach. “We still have a large number of adults who…need surveillance,” said Dr. Amy Tang.
See: “The Silent Killer: Hepatitis B Disproportionately Impacts Asian Americans” (September 29, 2025)
