Brian K., 9

Brian Kipchumba, a 9-year-old boy and the only child in his family, lives with both of his parents in the rural area of Moisbridge. He is currently in Class 3. His parents earn a living through casual work such as ploughing fields. Brian enjoys playing football. He was brought to the hospital with complaints of convulsions, fever, headache, a productive cough that worsened at night, general body weakness, and vomiting. He was diagnosed with severe malaria and severe pneumonia and admitted for further management. He was diagnosed with a convulsive disorder last year and was put on medication to prevent the convulsions but due to lack of funds has been able to afford purchasing the medication which should be taken on a daily basis.

Brian was brought into the facility presenting with episodes of convulsions. He was diagnosed with severe Malaria, antimalarial drugs and anticonvulsants were administered, three hours later, Brian responded by recognizing the place and people, because of many episodes of convulsions, the child was admitted for intravenous medication and to be monitored by the hospital team. Two days later the mother was very happy and grateful since Brian now is getting better every day with medication, something that had worried her so much. Recently Brian is doing well without any convulsions or discomfort, he is happily doing to school and playing with his friend.

Prognosis is good with the right medication. Severe malaria, particularly falciparum malaria, can cause life-threatening complications like cerebral malaria (brain swelling or damage), respiratory distress, organ failure, and severe anemia. It can also lead to low blood sugar, abnormal bleeding, and jaundice