Rael A., 3

Rael is a young girl and the only child of her parents. Due to her age, she has not yet started formal schooling. Her parents are peasant farmers who rely on subsistence farming for their livelihood. Until two months ago, Rael lived with her maternal grandmother in Uganda before relocating to Kenya to stay with her parents. Over the past year, she has experienced recurrent illnesses requiring several hospital visits and admissions, which have affected her emotional well-being. She has become emotionally sensitive and occasionally experiences mood swings, although she enjoys playing with improvised toys and generally keeps to herself. Rael was admitted to Siaya County Referral Hospital after collapsing at home and developing convulsions. She was initially taken for spiritual prayers before being rushed to Akala Health Centre, where she received emergency care and was referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for specialized treatment. On arrival, she was stabilized in the Emergency Department before being admitted to the Pediatric Ward for close monitoring, further investigations, and comprehensive inpatient management after being diagnosed with malaria and febrile convulsions.

Summary Rael was admitted with a history of three episodes of convulsions, refusal to feed for two days, and vomiting for two days. Laboratory investigations confirmed Plasmodium falciparum infection, consistent with severe malaria. She was promptly started on appropriate antimalarial treatment and supportive care, responded well to treatment, and was discharged in stable condition with follow-up arranged through the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic (POPC).

Rael presented with history of vomiting,refusal to feed followed by convulsions, and weakness—features highly suggestive of severe malaria with febrile convulsions. The seizures were likely triggered by the high fever associated with the malaria infection. This condition is considered a medical emergency, particularly in children, as it can progress rapidly and may lead to complications such as cerebral malaria, prolonged seizures, or neurological damage if not promptly treated. The prognosis is good with prompt and appropriate treatment. Since Rael was brought to the hospital quickly and received timely care, she is expected to recover well.