Jude D., 1

Jude is a 9mo male infant who is currently staying with his parents in a small community in Bauchi State. They live in an apartment having a bucket system toilet, a well, access to electricity and and monthly income is 40,000. The father is a laborer and the mother is a house wife. They only feed whenever the father is out to labor for the family. They also have the grand parents of Jude staying with them in their extended house. Jude is a 9mo male infant presented with high grade fever of 5 days duration which is relieved with analgesic, only to become hot again after sometime. Mother observed excessive sweating and passage of fowl smelly greenish to reddish stools. She also reported excessive crying (restlessness) with sleep disturbances and loss of weight. He lost appetite and refused food from his mother. On examination, a restless 9months infant, very warm to touch, anicteric, acyanosed and not pale. Patient was diagnosed with severe Malaria.

As treatment progressed, Jude a 9mo male child began to show steady clinical improvement. His appetite gradually returned, and he resumed breastfeeding with increasing enthusiasm. The foul-smelling greenish to reddish stools resolved, returning to a normal appearance, while his hydration remained adequate. He became more alert, active, and responsive to his surroundings, with noticeable improvement in his overall comfort and well-being. Daily clinical reviews confirmed progressive recovery without evidence of complications. Patient was discharged. The family expressed gratitude for saving their child.

Jude, a 9mo male child has severe malaria requiring immediate hospitalization, intravenous antimalarial treatment, close monitoring, and supportive care. Early intervention is essential to prevent life-threatening complications and improve clinical outcomes, prognosis is generally good with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, delayed presentation or severe complications such as cerebral malaria, kidney injury, or severe anemia may increase morbidity and mortality.