A 60-year-old female presents with high fever, confusion, and seizures. She lives in a malaria-endemic region and had a similar episode of fever two weeks ago. What could be the potential diagnosis and next steps?
Her symptoms suggest cerebral malaria, a severe form of Plasmodium falciparum malaria that affects the brain and can cause altered consciousness, seizures, and neurological abnormalities. This is a medical emergency. Immediate confirmation of diagnosis with a blood smear or RDT is required, and if confirmed, the patient should be admitted to the hospital for parenteral antimalarial treatment and supportive care.