Elizabeth O., 11

Elizabeth is an 11-year-old girl in Grade 7 at a small primary school in a remote village. She lives with her single mother and younger siblings in a modest two-room mud house without electricity. Her father left years ago in search of work and never returned, leaving her mother solely responsible for the family. Daily life is challenging. The family depends on water fetched from a distant well, a task that takes over thirty minutes on foot, and Elizabeth often helps with this before or after school. Her mother earns a small income of about KSh 1,000 per month from washing clothes for others, which is barely enough to meet their basic needs. Following the birth of the youngest child, the situation became even more difficult, at times forcing the children to seek food from well-wishers. Elizabeth was brought to the hospital by a well-wisher. Earlier that day, while walking home, she had eaten food picked from the roadside. Shortly afterward, she developed sudden and severe symptoms, including persistent vomiting and continuous diarrhea, which left her extremely weak. On examination, she was diagnosed with acute food poisoning complicated by severe dehydration.

Elizabeth, 11, was admitted with dehydration from food poisoning due to vomiting and diarrhea. She was assessed and started on oral rehydration therapy. IV fluids, antiemetics, and antibiotics were considered as needed. Her condition was closely monitored, and nutrition was gradually reintroduced. She improved within 24–48 hours, resumed normal eating, and had no complications. Follow-up advice focused on hygiene, safe food practices, and early rehydration.

Elizabeth presented with acute food poisoning complicated by severe dehydration, evidenced by persistent vomiting, continuous diarrhea, and marked weakness. This is a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly in children, due to rapid fluid and electrolyte loss. Her condition required urgent medical intervention, including fluid resuscitation, correction of electrolyte imbalance, and close monitoring. The prompt action taken by the healthcare team was critical in stabilizing her and preventing further deterioration such as shock or organ dysfunction. Elizabeth’s prognosis is good with timely and appropriate treatment.