The one who is a carrier of hepatitis B or has the disease may get married to a healthy woman or a woman who is infected with this disease, if she accepts that after he tells her about his situation. It is not permissible for him to get married unless he tells her about his sickness, because concealing that is deceit which is haram (forbidden). If he conceals it, then his wife finds out about that, she has the right to annul the marriage.
It is well known medically that most people who get hepatitis B can resist it and expel it from the body, but there is a proportion of people, between five and 10%, whose bodies cannot get rid of it, so they become carriers of the disease, and in a small number the disease may develop into cirrhosis of the liver, cancer of the liver, liver failure or death. In addition to that, in 10% of those infected, the disease may become chronic and the person becomes a carrier of the virus and is able to spread the sickness to others.
The carrier of the virus usually does not have any signs or symptoms of sickness, as his liver enzymes appear normal, but he remains infected for a number of years or maybe for the rest of his life, and he is able to transmit the virus to others. Most carriers of the virus do not suffer from any real problems with hepatitis B. Although they have good health, a few of them may be more susceptible than others to chronic liver infection, cirrhosis and tumors of the liver. The tumors usually grow in people who have developed cirrhosis of the liver. In order to prevent spread of this virus via carriers of the virus, it is essential to do the following:
1. He should not engage in sexual activity unless the other party has immunity or has had the necessary vaccinations against this virus; otherwise he must wear a condom.
2. He should not donate blood or plasma or any part of his body to others, or share razor blades, toothbrushes or nail clippers. 3. He should not swim in swimming pools if he has any wounds on his skin.
4. His family members should be tested and vaccinations should be given to those who are not carriers of the virus and who do not have any immunity.