ONE WORLD

Rare Hunter syndrome haunts Kolkata boy

KOLKATA: Afflicted with a rare disease that requires a fortune to treat, the parents of a 10-year-old boy in Shibpur, Howrah, are groping in the dark even as their son gradually slips into an abyss.
Arian Chowdhury is suffering from the Hunter syndrome, a genetic disease caused by mutation that leads to deposition of biomolecules in cells. As cells get progressively clogged, organs begin to fail, causing death. One in 2,00,000 suffers from the disease. Except in developed nations, most patients die young with parents unable to afford the lifelong treatment of Rs 1 crore a year.

In severe cases, children survive till 11-12 years. Arian's case is less severe. Doctors say he may live till 17-18.


CHILD WITH HUNTER SYNDROME