03/07/2026
A Persistent Fever. A Rare Diagnosis. A Life Saved.
What began as a persistent fever became a life-threatening medical mystery for a 36-year-old father who spent more than a month battling relentless high temperatures, severe body aches, weight loss, and worsening fatigue. Despite multiple hospital visits and antibiotic treatments, his condition continued to deteriorate.
When he arrived at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, our multidisciplinary team recognized that this was more than a routine infection.
Led by Dr. Roshan Koshy Jacob, specialists from Infectious Diseases, Pathology, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Neurology, and other departments worked together to uncover the cause. Extensive investigations, including advanced laboratory testing by Dr. Sherin Mohamed and her team, revealed an exceptionally rare and life-threatening condition: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
HLH is a rare disorder in which the immune system becomes dangerously overactive, attacking the body's own organs and blood cells. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can rapidly become fatal.
The patient was started on specialized therapy to suppress the excessive immune response while treating the underlying viral trigger. Under the collaborative care of Dr. Roshan Koshy Jacob, Dr. Maryam Seyedhamid, Dr. Sherin Mohamed, Dr. Mohamed Nada, Dr. Fazil Bisharah, Dr. Tamer Ibrahim Mohamed Orief, and the dedicated multidisciplinary team, his condition gradually began to improve.
Within days, his fever subsided, inflammation markers declined, blood counts recovered, and his strength returned. Today, he continues to recover and is looking forward to spending time with his family once again.
This remarkable case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration, and specialized care in managing rare and complex medical conditions.
At NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, every case is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a life worth fighting for.
