Survivor of rare rapid-ageing disease progeria dies at 28


  • World
  • Sunday, 06 Oct 2024

MILAN (Reuters) - Sammy Basso, who was the longest living survivor of the rare genetic disease progeria, has died at the age of 28, the Italian Progeria Association said on Sunday.

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (HGPS), causes people to age rapidly, leading them to appear older than they are, with a reduced quality of life and a life expectancy of only 13.5 years without treatment, the association's website said.

It affects one in every eight million people born, and has a worldwide incidence of one in every 20 million.

Born in 1995 in Schio, in the northern Italian region of Veneto, Basso was diagnosed with progeria at the age of two. In 2005, he and his parents founded the Italian Progeria Association.

He became famous through the National Geographic documentary "Sammy's Journey," which recounts his journey along Route 66 in the United States, from Chicago to Los Angeles, with his parents and one of his best friends, Riccardo.

"Today our light, our guide, has gone out. Thank you Sammy for making us part of this wonderful life," the association wrote on its Instagram page.

There are only 130 recognised cases of classic progeria worldwide, of which four are in Italy.

However, the Italian Progeria Association estimated there could be as many as 350 cases as they can be difficult to trace especially in developing countries.

(Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro; editing by Barbara Lewis)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Apple crowns the best App Store apps of 2024
US couple shot dead while on visit in western Mexico
Major new features expected on the next-generation Apple Watch
Senior Ukraine official says Kyiv not yet ready for talks with Russia
US will prohibit visas for Georgian officials for 'undermining democracy'
South Korea opposition leader Lee says impeaching Yoon best way to restore order
US announces new arms aid package for Ukraine worth $500 million
Clever puzzles, creative solutions: The keys (and doors) of good puzzle design
Fireworks blast in Mexico injures 30 at Virgin of Guadalupe event
Long-term exposure to air pollution linked to blood clots: study

Others Also Read