Hauwa M., 11

Hauwa Muntari is an eleven year old girl from a rural farming family in Birniwa, Jigawa State. She was previously healthy, active, and attending primary school where she enjoyed learning mathematics. Her parents grow millet and maize for a living. Hauwa helps her mother with small household chores and loves playing with her younger siblings. Her family has limited access to clean drinking water and often relies on well water, which may have contributed to her illness. Approximately ten days before coming to Adari Medical Clinic, Hauwa developed a persistent high fever that came and went. She complained of headache, stomach pain, and felt too weak to get out of bed. Her mother noticed she was not eating and had become constipated followed by loose stools. When her fever did not go away after one week and she started vomiting occasionally, her mother became very worried and brought her to the clinic on 17th May. Hauwa was admitted for two days because she was dehydrated and very weak. Examination confirms a diagnosis of Typhoid Fever.

Hauwa 11 yo, was admitted on 17th May and received intravenous ceftriaxone and fluids for two days. By the morning of 19th May, her fever had broken, and she was smiling again. She ate a small bowl of porridge and asked to go home, The family heard about Helpster Charity from a community health worker who visited their village and told them about the organization's support for sick children. We are so grateful to Helpster Charity for saving our daughter's life when we had no money to pay for her treatment. Thank you, Helpster Charity, for giving Hauwa a second chance to go back to school and play with her friends. Without your kindness and support, our family would have lost everything, and we will never forget what you have done for us. Hauwa was discharged that same day with oral antibiotics and strict advice on handwashing and drinking boiled water. At follow up one week later, she had fully recovered and returned to school.

With prompt intravenous ceftriaxone followed by oral azithromycin, Hauwa’s prognosis is excellent for a full recovery without long term complications. Her fever should resolve within 48 to 72 hours, and her strength will gradually return over one to two weeks. However, if left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications including intestinal perforation, peritonitis, septic shock, or death. Proper hygiene, clean drinking water, and vaccination are essential for prevention. Timely admission and treatment saved Hauwa from a potentially fatal outcome.