Pediatrician warns against misdiagnosing childhood fever as malaria

Dr. Usman Ibrahim, a Senior Registrar in Pediatrics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, has warned parents against misdiagnosing the common cold as malaria in children. He noted that while both conditions can cause fever, the common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract characterized by symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Ibrahim attributed the frequent misdiagnosis to a lack of knowledge among parents and health workers, as well as diagnostic errors in laboratories that lack expertise in malaria microscopy. He cautioned that administering antimalarial drugs without proper testing increases the risk of drug resistance, exposes children to unnecessary side effects, and may delay the diagnosis of more serious illnesses.

For mild cases where a child remains alert and is eating and drinking well, Ibrahim suggested home management with fluids and paracetamol. However, he urged immediate medical attention if a child exhibits fast breathing, repeated vomiting, extreme weakness, or convulsions.