How common is Sickle Cell Anemia?

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Sickle cell anemia affects millions of people throughout the world. It is particularly common among people whose ancestors come from sub- Saharan Africa; Spanish speaking regions (South America, Cuba, Central America); Saudi Arabia; India; and Mediterranean countries, such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

In this country, it affects approximately 72,000 people, most of whose ancestors, come from Africa. The disease occurs in approximately 1 in every 500 African-American births and 1 in every 900 Hispanic American births.

Approximately 2 million Americans, or 1 in 12 African Americans, and 1 in 16 Hispanic carry the sickle cell trait.

Click Here for a map showing the spread of Sickle Cell Anemia.