Mary T., 1

Mary Tasha is a six-month-old baby and the younger of two children. She lives with both parents and enjoys interacting and playing with her brother when well. Her father is a shoemaker and the family’s sole provider. He also supports his late brother’s children, placing additional financial strain on his modest income. Because of limited resources, the family sometimes relies on cheaper over-the-counter medicines when the children fall ill. Tasha’s mother is a housewife who cares for the family. Tasha was brought to the facility with fever, green stools, unusual irritability, poor breastfeeding and difficulty breathing despite previous treatment at a nearby facility. On examination, she appeared very ill, lethargic and febrile, with signs of respiratory distress. Her breathing was fast and laboured, with increased effort to breathe and difficulty feeding because of the respiratory symptoms. Given her young age and worsening condition, these findings were concerning for a serious respiratory infection requiring prompt management. A malaria test was performed and was negative.

Mary Tasha was diagnosed with RSV infection and severe pneumonia after presenting with fever, poor feeding, lethargy and respiratory distress. At six months, she is vulnerable to rapid deterioration, including low oxygen levels, dehydration or respiratory failure. She requires close monitoring and supportive treatment, including oxygen and fluids where indicated. With timely and appropriate hospital care, her prognosis is favourable, although careful monitoring until breathing and feeding improve is essential.