Cases of Rare Ilness Increase in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, Dec 30. -A gene mutation illness known as neurodegenerative dystonia, first detected in children in southern Dominican Republic, has spread, with more cases reported countrywide, Dominican neurologist Pedro Roa revealed.Roa carried out research along with a team of foreign specialists and is organizing a prevention and genetic counselling program, according to Listin Diario newspaper.

The doctor explained that the program will target people with a higher risk of a genetic mutation leading to the development of the illness, which inhibits people's movements.

Roa was interviewed as he took part in a meeting organized by the Juan Manuel Taveras Foundation, where wheelchairs were given to children who live with the condition.

He said that cases have been gradually reported in Cibao, Santo Domingo, San Cristobal and Este.

Roa said it is important to have a test, still unavailable in the country, to detect the condition early in order to prevent future cases in children who are the offspring of two carriers of the gen mutation.(Prensa Latina)