Stanley O., 4

Stanley Ochieng is a 4-year-old boy in kindergarten and the firstborn in a family of two children. He lives with both parents in a rural village and is a cheerful, sociable child who enjoys playing with other children and spending time with his baby sister. During school holidays and free time, he enjoys outdoor play and interacting with people around him. His father works as a shoemaker at the local market and is the sole provider for the family, while also supporting the children of his late brother. Due to the heavy financial burden, the family often struggles to afford healthcare and sometimes relies on over-the-counter medicines when illness occurs. His mother is a housewife who cares for the children at home. Stanley was brought to the hospital by his mother with a three-day history of severe headache, fever, excessive sweating, general body weakness, body aches, abdominal pain, and malaise. Prior to presentation, he had been treated with antimalarial medication and paracetamol at home without significant improvement. As his condition continued to worsen, his family sought medical attention. Following clinical assessment and laboratory investigations, he was diagnosed with severe malaria and gastroenteritis. Due to the severity of his condition, admission was recommended for urgent treatment and close monitoring.

Stanley was admitted at the children's ward after diagnosed with gastroenteritis with malaria a condition which required immediate admission. He was administered with IV Artesunate, paracetamol, IV fluids RL alternating with dextrose , IV metro and dinac which he started immediate positive response. He was ready for home discharge and advised on drug adherence as per doctor prescription

Stanley presented with severe malaria complicated by gastroenteritis and severe dehydration, as evidenced by high fever, persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, reduced oral intake, and general weakness. This combination placed him at high risk of rapid deterioration, particularly due to fluid loss and inability to retain feeds. Immediate admission was necessary, and he was started on intravenous antimalarial treatment, fluid resuscitation, and supportive care Stanley’s prognosis is favorable with timely and appropriate treatment. Most children recover well from severe malaria and gastroenteritis when managed early, especially with adequate rehydration and supportive care.