With the recent deaths of 25 children in Lagos State attributable to febrile rash illnesses (FRIs), the Wellbeing Foundation Africa – a leading maternal and child health NGO, is creating awareness of childhood febrile rash illnesses and associated diseases, in order to curb the spread of the diseases and aid in the prevention of needless deaths of children in Nigeria.

Diseases that occur with fever alongside rashes amongst children include Meningitis; Parvovirus B19 disease; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease; Chickenpox; Measles; and Rubella. Due to the myriad of diseases that present with fever and rashes – which vary in size, intensity and location, it is necessary to be cognizant of other determining symptoms as well as the modes of transmission of the varying diseases.

For example, while Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease display symptoms including fever, poor appetite, malaise and sore throat 1-2 days before mouth sores develop, symptoms of Chickenpox include headache, general body ache, backache and malaise. However, both diseases are classified as febrile rash illnesses, yet, knowing the difference while seeking treatment could be the difference between life and death.

Meningitis is another disease that presents with fever and rashes and should not be overlooked when evaluating cases of childhood febrile rash illnesses. Typically, viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms of bacterial meningitis commencing suddenly and escalating quickly. In addition, those most at risk for developing bacterial meningitis include infants and children under the age of five years. While symptoms may not be applicable to all, the usual symptoms of bacterial meningitis in young children include high fever, vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions or seizures and a distinctive rash. It should be noted that bacterial meningitis can result in blood poisoning or septicaemia – which can be fatal. Viral meningitis on the other hand, mirrors flu-like symptoms including headaches, fever and diarrhoea, in more severe cases. Nonetheless, all suspected cases of meningitis should be treated with urgent medical attention.

To prevent the outbreak of transmittable diseases such as those categorized under childhood febrile rash illnesses, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, led by Wife of Nigeria Senate President, H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, recommends that all children undergo routine immunization and receive immediate treatment once disease symptoms are observed. The Foundation also wishes to notify the rest of Nigeria to be alert, and pay strict vigilance, to avoid the spread of these febrile rash illnesses to other parts of southwest Nigeria.