Daso A., 13

Daso, a 13-year-old girl has endured immense hardship at a young age. She lost both of her parents as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in Gaidam, leaving her orphaned and dependent on her elderly grandparents for care and support. Today, she lives with her grandparents, who are subsistence farmers struggling to provide for the family. Together, they earn approximately ₦5,500, an amount that is barely enough to meet their basic needs. The family resides in a tent, exposed to difficult living conditions and constant uncertainty. Despite the pain of losing her parents and the challenges of growing up in poverty, she remains resilient and hopeful. She attends school whenever possible and dreams of becoming a veterinary doctor in the future so that she can care for animals, support her community, and build a better life for herself and her grandparents. She was brought to the hospital with complaints of high fever, severe weakness, headache, loss of appetite, frequent watery stools, and generalized body pains. Her parents reported that she had become increasingly weak and inactive, with persistent diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Following clinical examination and laboratory investigations, she was diagnosed with Severe Malaria Complicated by Anemia and Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD).

Daso was admitted for emergency treatment of severe malaria complicated by anemia and acute diarrheal disease (ADD). She was closely monitored throughout her hospitalization to ensure a safe recovery. For the treatment of severe malaria, she received intravenous Artesunate, followed by a complete course of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) once she was stable and able to take oral medication. Paracetamol was administered to control fever and relieve discomfort. To treat dehydration caused by acute diarrhea, she was given intravenous fluids and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. She also received Zinc supplements to help reduce the duration and severity of the diarrhea. By the time of discharge, she was clinically stable and recovering well. Her caregivers were advised to ensure she completed all prescribed medications, maintained proper nutrition and hydration, slept under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, and attended follow-up visits. With continued care, she is expected to make a full recovery.

Doctor’s Opinion and Prognosis The patient, a 13-year-old girl, was diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by anemia and acute diarrheal disease (ADD), a serious condition that required immediate medical intervention. The malaria infection caused significant destruction of red blood cells, resulting in anemia, while the acute diarrhea led to dehydration and loss of essential electrolytes. At presentation, she was weak, pale, febrile, and at risk of developing severe complications due to the combined effects of infection, anemia, and dehydration. Without prompt treatment, her condition could have progressed to life-threatening complications. She was admitted and commenced on appropriate antimalarial medications, rehydration therapy, treatment for anemia, and supportive care. Her response to treatment was encouraging, with gradual improvement in her fever, hydration status, appetite, and overall strength. The prognosis is good because of the timely diagnosis and effective medical management. With completion of treatment, adequate nutrition, proper hydration, and regular follow-up care, she is expected to make a full recovery and return to her normal daily activities.