Jezreel Riaan O., 1

Riaan is a five-month-old baby living with his mother and grandmother. He is the third child in the family. His mother, who is raising her children as a single parent, also supports her divorced sister and her children in a small rented house. With no support from the children's fathers and limited financial resources, the family faces significant economic hardship. The mother works tirelessly to provide for everyone and often relies on the generosity of well-wishers to meet basic needs, despite trying her best to conceal the extent of her struggles. About a week before presentation, Riaan became unwell at home. Due to financial constraints, his family was unable to seek hospital care immediately. A Community Health Promoter (CHP) assisted by providing basic treatment, but his condition continued to deteriorate. The CHP, who works closely with the health facility and was aware of Helpster Charity's support, referred Riaan for further medical evaluation. He had been experiencing persistent diarrhea and fever for more than a week. Upon assessment at the facility, he was found to require inpatient care and was subsequently admitted for treatment.

Riaan, five months old baby, was admitted on 19/05/2026 with a diagnosis of severe dehydration with sepsis and diarrhea after presenting with fever, weakness, and poor general condition. On admission, he was promptly started on 10% glucose to correct the low blood sugar and prevent further complications, with Ringer’s lactate given in alternation to maintain hydration and support circulation. He was also managed with intravenous artesunate for severe malaria, X-pen injection for treatment of associated bacterial infection, and paracetamol suppository followed by paracetamol suspension for fever and pain control. He received supportive treatment to enhance recovery and improve general wellbeing. During his stay in the ward, Riaan responded steadily to treatment, with improvement in energy levels, reduction of fever, stabilization of blood sugar, and return of feeding and activity. His condition progressively improved without complications, and by 23/05/2026 she was clinically stable and fit for discharge. He was discharged on antimalarial treatment and azithromycin for continued outpatient care, with a good prognosis and expected full recovery.

Riaan was diagnosed with sepsis and severe dehydration, likely resulting from a prolonged illness characterized by diarrhea and fever. These conditions are serious in young infants and can rapidly become life-threatening if not treated promptly. The medical team initiated urgent treatment, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and close monitoring to stabilize his condition and prevent complications. A full recovery is expected, although close monitoring remains important to ensure complete resolution of the infection and restoration of normal health.