Paul Oduor O., 1

Paul is a six-month-old baby who was brought to the hospital with three days of vomiting, unable to keep down anything taken by mouth, including breast milk. The child also had diarrhea on the day of admission to the hospital. He was restless and had a high fever.

The mother reports that the child has been well until 3 days ago when he started vomiting, the vomitus is postprandial and he vomits everything including breastmilk. He had been restless with an associated fever and by the time he was brought to the hospital he had developed several episodes of diarrhoea. He was put on fluids to counter the fluids he had lost due to diarrhoea and vomiting together with antimalarial medication and he responded well until discharge. His mother was also given oral medication to give him at home.

Malaria should be treated promptly with the use of antimalarial drugs. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and even death. It can result in organ failure, severe anemia, neurological issues, and in some cases, prove fatal, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial for preventing these life-threatening consequences. Gastroenteritis can cause significant loss of fluids and electrolytes through vomiting and diarrhea. Without proper treatment, dehydration can become severe and require urgent medical attention.