Is the disorder thalassemia contagious?

Thalassemia is not contagious because it is an inherited blood disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thalassemia causes anemia, because the disorder prevents the body from making an adequate supply of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is needed to support red blood cells.

Without enough hemoglobin, there are less red blood cells to deliver oxygen to other parts of the body, reports the CDC. The red blood cells also have a shorter life span than normal. The disease is commonly diagnosed in childhood because of the anemia it produces. Other people learn they have the disease when visiting the doctor for symptoms of anemia as adults.