Mashon J., 2

Mashon is the only child of a couple who work as casual laborers at construction sites. The family lives in a single-room mud house. According to his mother, Mashon is a playful child and loves eating rice. Mashon began showing symptoms of cough, fever, and a running nose a few days ago. The mother administered over-the-counter medication, but after two days with no improvement, Mashon began convulsing on the third day. She immediately rushed him to Sigomere Sub-County Hospital, where he was stabilized with oxygen because he had deteriorated so fast, and then referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital. Upon arrival, Mashon was admitted for further treatment and management. Upon admission, Mashon was in critical condition and was diagnosed with severe malaria, moderate anaemia, septicaemia, hypokalaemia, and hyponatremia.

The patient presented with complaints of diarrhea, coughing, and vomiting. The case was referred from Sigomere Hospital. Upon review, the patient was admitted for further management; in the ward, he was treated with IV artesunate for his malaria, and he responded well to treatment. The patient was set to be discharged but fell ill again before he left for home and was readmitted. He responded well to the drugs and was finally discharged on orals. A call to the mother confirmed that Mashon was fully recovered and could even play with his friends again.

Severe malaria, if left untreated, carries a near 100% mortality rate, particularly in cases of cerebral malaria with organ dysfunction. However, with prompt and effective treatment, mortality can be reduced to below 5% The prognosis of electrolyte imbalance in severe malaria depends on how quickly it is identified and corrected: If recognized early and managed promptly with proper rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and treatment of malaria, the outcome is generally good, especially in children. If delayed or untreated, imbalances like hyponatremia and hypokalaemia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, confusion, coma, or even death. Mashon will progress to full recovery