The virus in some instances changes the binding affinity of iron to the carrier protein involved in blood formation. One consequence is excess iron appears in other tissues than red blood cells. If the blood factors change susceptibility to this affect on the Heme binding protein...
This wraps around to the Thalessemia / Sickle Cell question because it effects your hemoglobin
Italy, Iran, Greece, China, and Tawain in the Thalessemia Belt.