Sani A., 14

Sani is a child who's always calm. Likes helping his father when at home. He likes going to school and aspires to become a teacher. Father is a janitor while mother is not employed. Sani presented with a 3 day history of fever, headache, vomiting and loss of appetite. there is also associated generalized body weakness. He was diagnosed with malaria and started on prompt antimalarial treatment, fluids, and close monitoring under medical assistance.

Sani presented with a 3 day history of fever, headache, vomiting and loss of appetite. There is also associated generalized body weakness. After proper evaluation, he was found to be having severe malaria with prostration. He had his complete dosages of parenteral antimalarials and Analgesics. He was also rehydrated adequately. As the treatment progressed, he responded well as evidenced by improvement of his admitting symptoms. He was then discharged home with oral medications to complete his recovery and return to his normal premorbid condition.

We view Sani's malaria as a medical emergency due to the risk of rapid progression to cerebral malaria or organ failure, especially if caused by P. falciparum. The prognosis is excellent with prompt Artemisinin-based treatment, but delayed diagnosis significantly increases the danger of life-threatening complications like severe anaemia or metabolic acidosis. With appropriate and adequate administration of parenteral antimalarial and other supportive measures, this child has a good prognosis. However, any delay or inappropriate treatment can lead to a bad outcome.