Malaria and dengue are both diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. On World Malaria Day 2024, learn about the distinctions between malaria and dengue.
Malaria and dengue are common mosquito-borne diseases that can lead to fever, headache, and muscle aches. It is crucial to implement preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using protective measures like insect repellents to avoid these diseases, as they can have serious consequences, including death. Despite their similarities, malaria and dengue have distinct characteristics. On World Malaria Day, observed on April 25th, let’s explore the variances between malaria and dengue.
What is malaria?
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, explains general physician Dr. Aarif Hussain Bhat.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti.
What are the differences between malaria and dengue?
While both malaria and dengue are mosquito-borne diseases, they are transmitted by different mosquito species. Here are some distinctions between the two illnesses:
1. Symptoms
The symptoms of malaria typically include fever, chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting, while dengue symptoms involve a sudden onset of fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
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2. Causes
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, whereas dengue is caused by the dengue virus transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
3. Risk factors
Risk factors for malaria include traveling to areas where the disease is prevalent and lack of preventive measures, while risk factors for dengue involve living in or traveling to dengue-prone regions and inadequate mosquito control measures.
4. Diagnosis
Malaria diagnosis includes microscopic blood examination for Plasmodium parasites, while dengue diagnosis often requires blood tests to detect the virus or antibodies.
5. Treatment
The treatment for malaria involves antimalarial medications, whereas dengue treatment focuses on symptom relief as there is no specific antiviral treatment available.
Is malaria deadlier than dengue?
Malaria is usually more fatal than dengue, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare and severe malaria cases. Malaria can lead to life-threatening complications, such as cerebral malaria or organ failure, if not treated promptly. While dengue can also be severe, the mortality rate is generally lower than severe malaria.
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In 2022, there were 608,000 malaria deaths globally in 85 countries, according to the World Health Organization. Dengue cases have increased from 505,430 in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019, with over 6.5 million cases reported since 2023. Additionally, more than 7,300 dengue-related deaths were recorded, as per the WHO.
How to prevent malaria and dengue?
Preventing malaria and dengue starts with mosquito control. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed, use insecticide-treated bed nets, and apply mosquito repellents containing picaridin, recommends the expert.
You can also:
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants during peak mosquito activity times.
- Install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Participate in community-based mosquito control programs and raise awareness about preventive measures to reduce disease transmission.
Both malaria and dengue are serious mosquito-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of prompt action upon noticing any symptoms.