Fidel L., 1

Fidel comes from an underprivileged family living in a rural setting with limited financial resources. The caregiver depends on irregular casual labor and small-scale subsistence activities to meet their daily needs. Due to poverty and limited access to healthcare services, the family faces challenges in obtaining timely medical attention and health information. The child was subjected to Infant Dental Mutilation, a harmful traditional practice in which developing tooth buds are removed by a traditional practitioner under the belief that they are responsible for childhood illnesses. Following the procedure, the child developed a severe illness characterized by persistent high fever, extreme weakness, poor feeding, repeated vomiting, irritability, lethargy, and reduced activity. The child also experienced chills, excessive sweating, pallor, and signs of dehydration. Caregivers reported that the child became increasingly drowsy and less responsive, raising concerns about a life-threatening condition. Upon medical evaluation, the child was diagnosed with acute septicemia secondary to dental mutilation, alongside malaria. The septicemia likely resulted from bacterial infection introduced during the unsterile procedure. Due to the seriousness of the condition, the child required urgent hospitalization, intensive treatment, close monitoring, and supportive care to prevent further complications and improve the chances of recovery.

Fidel was presented with acute septicemia and malaria following infant oral mutilation, involved an intensive, multi-modal clinical approach. To combat the severe bacterial bloodstream infection, the medical team administered intravenous antibiotics, specifically Ceftriaxone and Amikacin. Concurrently, the malaria infection was addressed with a course of Artesunate, given at 0, 12, and 24-hour intervals. This pharmacological regimen was supported by oral rehydration therapy to manage dehydration and rigorous, continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs and electrolyte levels to facilitate stabilization and he was dicharged with resolved

The child presented with a critical illness characterized by septicemia secondary to infant oral mutilation and severe malaria. The combination of a bloodstream infection and malaria placed the child at high risk of serious complications. Immediate hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, antimalarial treatment, fluid therapy, and close monitoring were required for Fidel. Following treatment, the child will hopefully show gradual clinical improvement. The prognosis is cautiously favorable provided treatment is completed, follow-up care is maintained, and future harmful traditional practices are avoided.