This indicator shows the average annual age-adjusted emergency room visit rate due to hepatitis per 10,000 population aged 18 years and older.

The term hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver resulting from a viral or non-viral infection, an autoimmune or metabolic condition, or alcohol or drug use. Hepatitis can also result from obstruction of the bile duct, for example due to gallstones. The disease may be acute or chronic. Chronic forms can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Certain types of hepatitis are extremely contagious; some are spread via blood or sexual contact, while others are spread via fecal-oral contact. Vaccines are available for some types of hepatitis, and it is now recommended that all children and adults receive the hepatitis B vaccine.