Frequently asked question: What is the link between the occurrence of sickle cell disease and malaria?

Occurrence of sickle cell disease in a region is related to the presence of malaria in that same region. This is because malaria parasites cannot thrive or multiply in the red blood cells of sickle cell disease carriers to the same extent as they can in normal red blood cells. As a result, sickle cell carriers have, throughout evolution, turned out to survive better in malaria-endemic areas. Still, if you have sickle cell disease, this does not mean you have built-in full malaria protection. In fact, if you do happen to contract malaria, the course may be more severe. Good prophylaxis against malaria is therefore always important, also when you have sickle cell disease.

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Frequently asked question: What is the link between the occurrence of sickle cell disease and malaria?

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