Three Mitchells Plain siblings have literally saved each other’s lives.
Little Mumtaaz Moosa of Beacon Valley has undergone 40 blood transfusions in her four years.
She was diagnosed with Hereditary Spherocytosis, a life-threatening illness where mutated red blood cells are rapidly taken out of circulation and sent to the spleen to be destroyed.
Her brother, Zakariyah, nine, was born with an unidentified blood disease which made him severely hemolytic and also dependant on blood transfusions since birth.
The loss of red blood cells in both siblings causes anemia, jaundice and excessive tiredness.
They are being treated at Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
Mumtaaz’s condition also causes an overload of iron to build up, which can result in damage to organs and affects the sex glands.
Her condition is said to occur in one out of 5000 people worldwide.
Their mom, Nazeerah Moosa, 38, says they inherited the genetic disorders from her.
UPHILL BATTLE: Nazeerah Moosa with Mumtaaz. Photo: Jack Lestrade
After three failed matches, Zakariyah received a bone marrow transplant when he was just 18 months old, thanks to his brother, Muzzammil Mustafaa, 13, who was a match.
The new bone marrow produces healthy red blood cells thereby eliminating the need for blood transfusions.
“I have to give my eldest son the credit for his bravery,” adds Nazeerah.
“After Zakariyah’s birth, I had to attend genetics classes and they prepared me for the unknown. I refused to terminate Mumtaaz.”
She says Zakariyah indirectly saved his sister because the family and doctors became more aware of the rare disease.
The little girl was barely a day old when she underwent her first blood transfusion.
“This has been an emotional roller coaster,” says the
mom, who suffered from post-natal depression.
Zakariyah attends a special needs school and the family is at hospital at least four times a month for treatment for Mumtaaz.
Doctors at Red Cross are now preparing to remove Mumtaaz’s spleen.
“With the spleen being removed there will be less need for blood transfusions as the red blood cells will stay in circulation in her body for longer,” explains Nazeerah.
But the little girl will have to be on medication, including antibiotics, for the rest of her life as a splenectomy will make her more prone to illnesses.
“The spleen assists in fighting infections so I will have to monitor her regularly.”
Western Cape Health spokesman Mark van der Heever
confirms both children are “receiving appropriate medi-
cal treatment at the (Red Cross
Children’s) Hospital for their conditions.”