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My Child Is Vomiting and Has a Fever in Lagos — What Should I Do?

A child with vomiting and fever can have anything from a mild viral infection to malaria or meningitis. Knowing when to manage at home and when to come in immediately is the most important thing a parent in Lagos can know. This page tells you exactly that.

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🚨
Come in immediately if your child has: high fever (> 39°C) + vomiting + stiff neck, seizure, extreme drowsiness, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed. These are signs of a serious infection.
What Could It Be?

What Causes Fever and Vomiting in a Child?

Fever + vomiting in a child has a wide range of causes — from a viral illness that resolves in 2 days to malaria or meningitis that requires immediate treatment. The pattern, the child's behaviour, and the red flag signs guide the urgency.

Viral Gastroenteritis

The most common cause — vomiting + diarrhoea + mild fever, usually lasting 2–3 days. Self-limiting with oral rehydration. No antibiotics needed.

MalariaURGENT

Fever, vomiting, headache, and malaise in a Lagos child should always have a malaria RDT. Falciparum malaria in children can deteriorate rapidly.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Often missed in children — fever + vomiting + irritability without diarrhoea, especially in young girls. Urine culture required.

Typhoid Fever

Persistent fever (> 5 days), abdominal pain, vomiting — Salmonella typhi infection. Widal test and blood culture confirm.

MeningitisURGENT

High fever, vomiting, stiff neck, bulging fontanelle (in infants), photophobia, non-blanching rash — a medical emergency. Go to hospital immediately.

Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Fever, vomiting, and ear pain or pulling at the ear — common in children 1–5 years. Treatable with antibiotics.

🚨 Go to hospital or clinic today if you have:

  • Child with seizure/convulsion — any age
  • Fever > 39°C that does not come down with paracetamol after 1 hour
  • Stiff neck or child cannot touch chin to chest
  • Child is very difficult to wake or unusually drowsy
  • Rash anywhere on the body during fever — especially if it does not fade when you press it
  • Child under 3 months with any fever
  • Vomiting so frequent the child cannot keep any fluid down for 4+ hours
  • Signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, no tears, very dark or no urine
What Test or Scan Do You Need?

What Tests Does a Feverish Vomiting Child Need?

Recommended at Mascot Healthcare

Malaria RDT — First test for any child in Lagos with fever — result in 15 minutes. If positive, antimalarial started immediately.

Full Blood Count — White cell count distinguishes bacterial from viral infection; identifies anaemia from malaria.

Urine Dipstick + Culture — Excludes UTI — especially important in girls and children without diarrhoea.

Widal Test (if fever > 5 days) — Screens for typhoid fever if fever is persistent and malaria is excluded.

What to Do Right Now

What to Do Right Now

1
Give paracetamol (not aspirin)

Paracetamol syrup (15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours) for fever. Do NOT give aspirin to children under 16.

2
Keep fluids going

Give small, frequent amounts of fluid — ORS (oral rehydration salts) or water. Stop solid food until vomiting settles.

3
Watch for red flags

Monitor for the red flags above continuously. If any appear, go directly to a clinic or hospital.

4
Come to Mascot Healthcare for a malaria test

Any child in Lagos with fever should have a malaria RDT — malaria in children can deteriorate within hours. The test takes 15 minutes.

💡 Important: In Lagos, malaria is the most important cause of fever to exclude in any child. A malaria RDT at Mascot Healthcare takes 15 minutes. If the child has a high fever, is very unwell, or you are worried — come in. You will never be turned away for coming too soon.

Child with fever and vomiting? Malaria RDT and child assessment at Mascot Healthcare — same day.

Walk in or book via WhatsApp — same-day assessment, transparent pricing, 4.9★ rated.

Service
Paediatric Assessment + Malaria RDT
From
From ₦4,000
Walk-in
Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM
Location
Akoka, Lagos
💬 Book via WhatsApp 📞 0816 586 6252
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