Siblings in Singapore are first known cases of rare genetic disease

36 more kids globally found with Jamuar syndrome since

Mr Anand Menezes and his wife Suman with their daughters Atira (left) and Seana. The sisters are the world’s first known cases of Jamuar syndrome, a rare genetic abnormality that results in issues such as developmental delays, epileptic fits and speech impairment. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUMAN MENEZES
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When her daughter Atira was six months old, Mrs Suman Menezes realised that something was amiss.

She and her husband, Mr Anand Menezes, who are Indian nationals, noticed that Atira was unable to sit upright. Up until then, the girl had shown no signs of developmental delay and had hit all the milestones of a growing infant, such as rolling over on her back.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 01, 2020, with the headline Siblings in Singapore are first known cases of rare genetic disease. Subscribe