Ohio to expand testing for genetic disease

(WKBN) — Ohio is significantly expanding its capabilities to screen newborns for different types of cystic fibrosis.

Gover Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff announced on Friday that the state will begin screening for the maximum number of mutations possible by laboratory testing.

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes a person’s body to produce an unusually high amount of thick, sticky mucus. As it builds inside the body, this mucus can cause blockages or damage to organs, including, but not limited to, the lungs and the digestive tract.

“Getting the earliest possible diagnosis and a head start on treatment is absolutely critical to ensure those born with cystic fibrosis can lead a healthier life,” said DeWine in a news release. “By expanding our testing capabilities to catch even the rarest forms of this disease at birth, Ohio will be giving every child and every family the best chance for the best possible outcome.”

There are close to 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis in the United States, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation .

State law requires newborn screening for 41 different conditions, including cystic fibrosis and certain other diseases, on all babies born in Ohio. The analysis takes place in ODH’s Public Health Laboratory.

According to the National Institutes of Health, half of babies born with cystic fibrosis in 2021 are expected to reach the age of 65 or older.

Implementation is expected to begin this fall.

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