Hawaii leads the nation in the number of cases of this serious STD.

Cause: the Hepatitis B virus

Symptoms: Often there are none. Infection can lead to inflammation of the liver and damage to liver tissue. This can cause a buildup of toxins that can make the sclera (white portion) of the eyes to have a yellow coloration. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and light colored stools.

Complications: Death is possible due to liver failure from acute or chronic infection. Survivors have a greatly increased risk of developing liver cancer which is usually fatal.

Treatment: Essentially none, supportive care only

Prevention: It is possible to get a series of vaccinations that will make you immune to the disease. This is recommended for anyone who's partner is infected or anyone with multiple partners.

Condoms provide a high degree of infection but this is a very contagious disease. Any contact with semen or blood from an person with the virus can cause infection.

Needle sharing among IV drug abusers is a common way this disease is spread. All IV drug abusers should be assumed to be infected with this virus and the AIDS virus as well as other infectious agents. Any contact with such a person is risky. Sex without a condom is suicidal beahvior.