It is a mild form of sickle cell disease. (Serjeant 4) The S beta-zero thalassemia (the child inherits one sickle cell gene and one gene type of thalassemia, another inherited anemia). (March of dimes) This form is only found in Jamaica. The distribution of these three forms of the sickle cell disease depends on the geography of the individual genes.
Fortunately, for some carries of the disease, they may only carry one of the sickle genes (B-globin genes). "One of 12 African-Americans in this country has sickle cell trait." (March of dimes 3) If that is the case, they only have what is called a sickle cell trait. If a person is carrying the trait, 9 times out of 10 it will not develop into the disease. (March of Dimes) Anyone can take a test such as hemoglobin electrophoresis. This can identify people with the disease or the trait. Scientists do not know when and where exactly this disease arose. They are certain that it was either found in Arabia and spread to India or visa versa. They also know that the mutation of the disease and the trait emerged in a tropical climate with many other environmental factors, such as malaria, other infections, infestations, and malnutrition. Since then, the disease has spread to more temperate climates, allowing it to have different forms. .
Having Sickle cell anemia is like having AIDS. The disease it self is not similar, but you go to the hospital just as much. Also there is no telling when you will feel good or feel sick just like the virus AIDS. "One of the most characteristic but insidious manifestations of sickle cell disease is what is called the painful crisis." (Krauss 2) This disease can cause the blood vessels to be blocked, leading to swelling of tissues. This makes it very painful in the back, arms, legs, abdomen, or chest. Also the hands, feet, and fingers. Sometimes the person will also have a fever. The time period of the pain varies.