Malaria in children

Abstract

You are a health worker in a rural hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa and are presented with a drowsy, febrile child. The first prompts explore the paediatric history, examination and basic observations. Discussion is made on what defines fever. The prose then gives some more information about the child with following prompts on differentials and investigations. Focusing on malaria as the prime differential the case then examines the disease including information on disease vectors and malaria's pathophysiology and presenting features. When Adie is found to have a positive blood sample for malaria and deteriorates, prompts then focus on the assessment, complications and treatment of the disease. A discussion is made upon whether people can be immune to the condition. The case finishes by exploring prevention strategies and uses Zambia as a case study for where significant progress has been made in reducing mortality.