Morine A., 12

Morine is a 12-year-old girl with special needs who comes from a financially disadvantaged family. Her parents separated when she was young, leaving her mother to care for Morine and her three siblings with very limited resources. Due to poverty, Morine has never had the opportunity to attend a special school suited to her needs. She is unable to speak and has developmental challenges, although she can perform several daily activities independently. Morine was brought to the facility by her mother, accompanied by a Community Health Promoter who knew about Helpster Charity. On presentation, she was visibly ill, weak and vomiting. For two days, she had been unable to feed normally and experienced persistent fever, chills, headache, dizziness and marked general body weakness. Her mother reported a significant change from her usual activity and behaviour. Clinical assessment and investigations confirmed severe malaria with gastritis. Given her poor oral intake, vomiting and significant systemic illness, she was admitted for urgent treatment, hydration and close monitoring.

The patient was admitted presenting with complaints of severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and general body weakness. Initial assessment confirmed a diagnosis of gastritis with malaria, and immediate treatment was initiated. During the admission, the patient received intravenous medications including Flagyl, tramadol, and artesunate among other medicines. Supportive care with fluids and close monitoring led to gradual stabilization. The fever subsided, vomiting reduced, and the patient began tolerating oral intake. By the third day, the patient showed marked improvement, with reduced abdominal discomfort and regained strength. Vital signs were stable, and appetite had improved significantly. The patient was discharged in good condition, with oral medications including paracetamol (PCM) for pain and fever, Coartem to complete malaria treatment. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient was advised to maintain adequate hydration, adhere strictly to medication, and attend follow-up if symptoms recur.

Morine is significantly unwell with severe malaria complicated by gastritis, vomiting, poor oral intake and marked weakness. She requires inpatient treatment, adequate hydration and close monitoring for complications. Persistent vomiting and inability to feed may lead to dehydration, hypoglycaemia and electrolyte imbalance. Severe malaria may progress to severe anaemia, seizures, altered consciousness, respiratory distress, kidney injury, shock or other organ dysfunction if inadequately treated. With prompt antimalarial treatment and supportive care, her prognosis is generally favourable, depending on her response to treatment. Overall, the prognosis is good.