Severe burns on a baby should be addressed immediately. However, one-year-old Elvis was brought to the hospital a week after his family accidentally spilled tea on his small body. The resulting burn became infected and his mother brought him to BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital.

Why can’t parents bring their children who need medical care before a burn becomes infected? Pediatric Surgery Fellow, Dr. Ken Muma, says there are three main reasons. They might underestimate the degree of the burn and determine that it’s not too serious. Another reason is a lack of education and poverty. They might attempt to treat the burn at home and do it incorrectly. Finally, they might go to a government clinic and receive improper instructions or no aid at all. We are very thankful that Elvis’ mother brought him to Kijabe Hospital where he received immediate medical attention.