Habiba U., 8

8 year old Habiba was well until about a week ago when she started having high grade fever and abdominal pain, with associated headache and loss of appetite. She presented at the hospital and was diagnosed with enteric fever.

Habiba presented with history of high-grade persistent fever and abdominal pain of one week with associated headache and loss of appetite. They use open well and stream water as their sources of drinking water. No history of constipation, vomiting or abdominal distension Examination: Acutely ill looking child in painful distress but neither pale nor dehydrated. Tender periumbilical region Diagnosis of Severe Enteric Fever was made. She was treated for enteric fever with prescribed medications, including ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and albendazole, alongside supportive care and clinical monitoring. She responded satisfactorily to treatment and was discharged after clinical improvement. Discharge Advice: Complete all prescribed medications, maintain good hydration and use safe, treated drinking water. Maintain good food and hand hygiene to reduce the risk of recurrent enteric infection. Follow up at the hospital as advised and return promptly if fever, persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, poor feeding or worsening symptoms recur.

Severe enteric fever is a critical infectious condition requiring urgent hospital management. Early diagnosis, appropriate intravenous antibiotics, fluid replacement, fever control, and monitoring for complications such as intestinal perforation or sepsis are vital to reduce morbidity and mortality. With prompt and effective treatment, Habiba will recover completely. Delayed treatment or severe complications may lead to prolonged illness, organ damage, relapse, or death, especially in vulnerable or malnourished patients.