Understanding causes and outcomes of febrile illness in rural South and Southeast Asia

Determining the Causes and Outcomes of Febrile Illness in Health Care Facilities in Rural South and Southeast Asia, as Part of the South and Southeast Asian Community-based Trials Network (SEACTN). Work Package B (WP-B).

Observational University of Oxford · NCT04629053

This study is trying to find out what causes fevers and how they affect people living in rural areas of Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangladesh to help improve health care in those communities.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment7200 (estimated)
Ages29 Days and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oxford Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Dhaka and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04629053 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify the causes and clinical outcomes of acute febrile illness in patients over 28 days old residing in rural areas of Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangladesh. By collecting data from local health facilities and village health workers, the study seeks to quantify the burden of febrile illness and understand its impact on these communities. The findings will help inform future interventions to address health issues in these low- and middle-income regions, where febrile illnesses are prevalent but under-researched.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals over 28 days old presenting with acute febrile illness lasting 14 days or less.

Not a fit: Patients whose febrile illness is due to trauma or who have been afebrile for less than 72 hours prior to assessment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of febrile illnesses, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality in affected populations.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar studies in these specific regions, the approach of investigating febrile illness in low-resource settings has shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient and/or where relevant their parent/guardian/caretaker is willing and able to give informed consent /assent for participation in the study;
2. Aged \> 28 days (day of birth = Day 1);
3. Axillary temperature at presentation (≥ 37.5°C (99.5°F) OR \< 35.5°C (95.9°F)) and no more likely cause than sepsis for hypothermia OR History of fever in the 24 hours prior to presentation;
4. Onset of illness ≤ 14 days

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Accident or trauma is the cause for the patient's presentation;
2. Presentation ≤ 3 days after routine immunisations
3. Is currently under follow-up or has been afebrile for less than 72 hours after completion of a follow-up period.
4. The treating healthcare worker's decision is to send the patient home following initial assessment.

Where this trial is running

Dhaka and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Febrile IllnessCausesOutcomes
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.