Neonatal malaria confusing as sepsis: case report and literature review, Afar, Ethiopia

Assist Prof Dr Abel Gidey

Abstract

Malaria is an acute and chronic vector born protozoa disease with high mortality and morbidity.  It is uncommon to see malaria by this age for some physiologic protective reasons. We mention a case 19 days old female neonate presenting with high grade fever, decreased suckling and activity. Neonatal malaria might be presenting as similar features of neonatal sepsis .It is recommended to take blood smear as part of initial work up in patients’ with high grade fever not responding to our initial management in areas of high malaria burden