Mr. Cheng presents with fever and stomach ache for a week, diagnosed with malaria by Dr. Cox. Elliot performs an exchange transfusion against Dr. Kelso's orders, temporarily reviving him from coma, but he ultimately crashes and dies. This case drives the central conflict about following/breaking rules.
Also known as: The clap
James, boyfriend of Kylie (whom J.D. is attracted to), is diagnosed with gonorrhea from cheating. This creates the episode's central ethical dilemma as J.D. wants to tell Kylie but is bound by doctor-patient confidentiality. The diagnosis is later revealed when James's other partner Tamyra also presents with the same infection.
Also known as: Kidney failure
Mr. Cheng's test results show renal failure as part of his malaria complication, contributing to his multi-system organ dysfunction.