Malaria and dengue, two vector-borne diseases that are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, cause severe health problems for those who contract them. Both of these illnesses share some similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between them–but understanding their differences is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the similarities and distinctions between malaria and dengue to help shed light on which disease may be causing your symptoms or a loved one’s pain.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a debilitating and potentially fatal infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus that are transmitted to humans through female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria symptoms can range from flu-like to severe, and can eventually cause anemia, cover drastic weight loss, seizures, and comas. Malaria is a significant global public health issue and it affects around 3.2 billion people annually in sub-Saharan Africa alone.
It is estimated that Malaria causes around 438,000 deaths each year worldwide, mostly caused by this mosquito-borne illness in the poorest countries with limited access to preventative healthcare measures. Malaria continues to pose a dangerous threat despite decades of research; however, the continued expansion of preventive control strategies shows promise for the future.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral disease that affects millions of people in over one hundred countries, primarily in tropical and subtropical climates. It’s transmitted by the female Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus mosquitos which bite during daytime. Dengue symptoms typically occur anywhere from five to seven days after being bitten and include high fever, severe headache, muscle, joint and back pains, nausea, and rash. Dengue can cause varying degrees of effects ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Treatment for Dengue is important to help prevent further complications such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Diagnosis for Dengue is made by examining blood samples for identifying the presence of Dengue virus antibodies. There is currently no vaccine available for Dengue but there are preventative methods such as using insect repellents or wearing clothing that covers most of the skin when outdoors that can help protect against mosquito bites.
Difference between Malaria and Dengue
Malaria and Dengue are both serious, mosquito-borne diseases that can have a big impact on global health. Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium, whereas dengue is caused by four distinct strains of the virus.
- Malaria symptoms typically follow around 7 to 18 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include fever, fatigue, vomiting, and headaches. Dengue fever tends to have faster onset with its symptoms appearing between 4-7 days after being bitten.
- Common symptoms of dengue are high fever, joint pain, and headache; while it’s rarer, hemorrhagic dengue can also cause bleeding from the nose or gums and difficulty breathing.
- Preventative measures for both Malaria and Dengue include using a mosquito net when sleeping at night, wearing insect repellent spray or long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, and avoiding outdoor spaces during peak mosquito times such as sunrise or sunset. As there is currently no vaccine available for either Malaria or Dengue it’s important we remain aware of them both.
Conclusion
Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium falciparum, while dengue fever is caused by a virus. Symptoms of malaria can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, and fatigue, while the symptoms of dengue fever are similar but also include a rash. Both diseases are serious and can be fatal if not treated properly. If you’re traveling to an area where malaria or dengue fever is present, it’s important to take precautions against getting sick and know the difference between these two dangerous diseases.
