Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells may become sickle-shaped and hardened. For a baby to be born with sickle cell disease, both parents must carry a sickle cell trait or genes for hemoglobin like HbC, HbE, or beta-thalassemia. Sickle cell disease is not contagious, and there is no universal cure.
The SCD Facts:
• About 1 in 13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait, and many do not know they have it.
• An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. have SCD.
• Approximately 2,000 babies are born with SCD annually in the U.S.
• On average, diagnosis is made at birth.
• People of many ethnic backgrounds can have SCD.
• Latinos have the second most common incidence in the U.S.
• Donate blood to support transfusions.
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