Sickle cell disease is most common among Africans, and over the course of years, the trait has migrated to other countries affecting other ethnic groups. (Vedro, 2002). Other ethnic groups that are affected are ones from parts of the Middle East (especially Saudi Arabia), India, and countries around the Mediterranean Sea (especially Italy and Greece). African Americans, if not affected, appear to be carriers of the sickle cell trait. (Vedro, 2002).
Around 70 000-80 000 Americans suffer from the disease with 2.5 million Americans carry the trait. (Vedro, 2002). Approximately 400 African American children are born with Sickle Cell Anemia, while 1 in 10 carry the trait. 1 in 1000 African American children are born with Sickle Hemoglobin C Disease. 32 out of 40 African-Canadians carry the trait of sickle cell disease. 1 in 10 000 African American children are born with sickle beta 0 thalassemia. 1 in 4000 African American children is born with sickle beta plus thalassemia. (Vedro, 2002).
A large number of people affected by the disease live in, or are descendants of people who lived in, hot countries where the red cell parasite malaria is prominent. (Vedro, 2002). By inheriting one sickle gene, it provides some protection and resistance to the malaria that is present in these hot countries. (Platt, 2013).
Around 70 000-80 000 Americans suffer from the disease with 2.5 million Americans carry the trait. (Vedro, 2002). Approximately 400 African American children are born with Sickle Cell Anemia, while 1 in 10 carry the trait. 1 in 1000 African American children are born with Sickle Hemoglobin C Disease. 32 out of 40 African-Canadians carry the trait of sickle cell disease. 1 in 10 000 African American children are born with sickle beta 0 thalassemia. 1 in 4000 African American children is born with sickle beta plus thalassemia. (Vedro, 2002).
A large number of people affected by the disease live in, or are descendants of people who lived in, hot countries where the red cell parasite malaria is prominent. (Vedro, 2002). By inheriting one sickle gene, it provides some protection and resistance to the malaria that is present in these hot countries. (Platt, 2013).