Bukar S., 4

Bukar lives with his parents and siblings in a rented house. He is about to be enrolled in school but due to their current financial issues, he's yet to be enrolled. Father and mother are both unemployed. Father struggles with whatever job he gets to feed the family. Heard about Helpster from other community members, volunteer, and the hospital. Bukar presented with 3 days history of fever and generalized body weakness. There is associated episodes of vomiting and refusal to feed. Mother said to have noticed him to be having mild body swelling which regressed recently. She also reported patient to have had some episodes of generalized convulsion 1 day prior to presentation. At presentation, Bukar was examined and investigated to confirm a diagnosis of Severe Malaria with anemia and bacterial meningitis.

Bukar was admitted in our facility and managed as a case of Severe Malaria (Anaemia + Prostration + Convulsion) with ? Acute Bacterial Meningitis. He was transfused with sedimented cells. He also had his complete dosages of Antimalarials, Antibiotics and analgesics. He was also rehydrated with IV fluids. As the treatment progressed, he responded well as evidenced by resolving of his admitting symptoms. He was then discharged home with oral medications following the improvement of his condition.

Severe Malaria is an emergency condition which requires urgent treatment with parenteral Antimalarials and other life saving interventions as the presentation dictates. With timely and appropriate intervention, this patient has a chance of recovery, however, delay in treatment or inappropriate treatment can lead to detrimental outcomes like the loss of his life and cerebral malaria which can kill.