Background: Acute fever and rash in children are common and have multiple aetiologies, dominated by infectious diseases. We conducted this study in a densely populated urban area characterized by high mobility and the presence of bus stations. Our objectives were to determine the morbidity associated with fever and rash and to describe their clinical features and evolution.

Methodology: We performed a cross-sectional study from January to December 2020, including all cases of acute fever and rash at the Reference Health Centre of Commune VI in Bamako (Mali). Epidemiological, clinical and outcome variables were taken into account.

Results: We recorded 110 cases of fever and rash out of 8,242 children, which represents a frequency of 1.33%. A male predominance (60%, sex ratio = 1.5) and a higher prevalence in children aged 0 to 24 months (60.90%) were noted. The aetiologies were measles (69/110; 62.7%) and varicella (41/110; 37.3%). These diseases occur year-round, with a measles peak during hotter periods (April– May) and a varicella peak in May and December. The lesions, primarily exanthemas, were maculopapular (50.9%), vesicular (26.4%), crusted (10.9%) and desquamative (11.8%). An enanthem was found in 44.59% of the children. These occurred in the context of MAM (9.1%) and SAM (1.8%). Following the management, the clinical course was marked by pulmonary complications (3.6%) and 100% recovery rate.

Conclusion: The aetiologies of acute fever and rash at the Reference Health Centre of Commune VI were measles and varicella, both of which are vaccine-preventable diseases. It is essential to strengthen routine immunization and surveillance through the early detection of cases.