Travian T., 1

Travian is a 10-month-old boy and the firstborn in his family. He lives with his mother in Bungoma but frequently returns to their rural home near Opar Shopping Centre due to the family's financial difficulties. His mother explained that both parents lack stable employment and depend on occasional casual jobs. At times, they have no food and go hungry. When in the village, they stay with Travian's grandmother and cousins. His grandmother, a peasant farmer, is the family's main source of support and relies on farm produce to feed the household. Travian became unwell two days before admission, developing recurrent high fever, frequent diarrhoea, vomiting, cough and refusal to feed. Paracetamol temporarily reduced the fever, but his condition progressively worsened. By the time he arrived at the hospital, he appeared very ill, weak and had difficulty breathing, requiring prompt medical attention. Travian's mother learnt about Helpster from a relative she was staying with, who advised her to bring the child to the hospital when his condition deteriorated.

Travian was diagnosed with severe malaria complicated by gastroenteritis with dehydration. His high fever, frequent diarrhoea, vomiting, poor feeding, weakness and difficulty breathing indicated significant systemic illness requiring urgent inpatient care. At his young age, persistent fluid loss placed him at high risk of worsening dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hypoglycaemia, circulatory compromise and other potentially life-threatening complications. He required prompt antimalarial treatment, careful fluid replacement and close monitoring. With timely and appropriate treatment, his prognosis is good and full recovery is expected.