All Newborns Now Tested For Genetic Disorder

(Springfield, IL) -- Newborn babies across the state are being tested for a rare blood disease. Officials say severe combined immunodeficiency, or SCID, is an inherited disorder, which causes improper development of white blood cells. People with SCID are very susceptible to recurrent infections and may develop pneumonia, meningitis or other complications. Babies born with the condition look normal but can't fight off infection, which means they could die before their first birthday if they don't get treated.