Difference between malaria and dengue fever

Different types of viruses cause malaria and dengue fever, but it’s easy to confuse them when they both have similar symptoms.

Mosquitoes can transmit both diseases, but there are some differences between them that you should know about before getting tested for either one: There are four types of dengue viruses, while there is only one type of malaria parasite.

Dengue is a disease caused by the same mosquito that spreads malaria. The symptoms are similar, and both conditions can be fatal if untreated, but malaria has more severe complications that require medical attention.

People with one type of malaria won’t necessarily get infected with another; however, you must treat both parasites to ensure your immune system is strong enough to fight off any future infections.

Let’s have a glance at the fundamental differences between malaria and Dengue:

• The cause of malaria is a protozoan parasite. On the contrary, the Aedes mosquito spreads four types of viruses that cause Dengue.
• Dengue is contagious, it spreads from an infected person to a healthy person, but a mosquito bite exclusively causes malaria.
• The duration of fever in Dengue is as long as seven days. Malaria has a shorter span of fever, i.e., 3-4 days.
• Malaria is detected at microscopic visual levels, whereas Dengue requires chemical investigations of the immune system.
• The treatment of malaria is possible by antimalarial drugs, whereas no medicines are available to curb Dengue.

So now you know there’s no similarity between Dengue and malaria; therefore, as soon as you develop any symptoms, get yourself tested for both.

Here is a detailed insight of the difference between malaria and dengue based on four parameters:

• Transmission mode
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment

Transmission mode-

Malaria:

Malaria is a parasitic disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria lives in the blood of infected people and can be passed on to others via the bite of an infected mosquito.

Malaria can also spread through blood transfusion or organ transplantation; this makes it especially dangerous for people who travel frequently or live in regions with high incidences of infection (for example, Africa).

Dengue:

Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. There are four types of dengue virus, each with specific symptoms, severity, and prognosis. While there is no vaccine or cure for Dengue, it can be prevented by taking steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that can be transmitted from one person to another by the bite of an infected mosquito. On the other hand, malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and their tastes.

Symptoms- Dengue and Malaria

Malaria and dengue fever symptoms are similar and can be mistaken for one another if not correctly diagnosed.

Symptoms of Malaria:

Malaria causes an illness that starts with flu-like symptoms and then progresses to extreme fatigue followed by vomiting (fever) or loss of appetite for two to three weeks.

Malaria symptoms usually occur 10-15 days after the mosquito bites. The symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills (moderate/severe)
• Body ache
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Excessive sweating due to sudden drop in body temperature

Symptoms of Dengue:

Dengue fever is caused by a virus that’s spread through mosquito bites. At the same time, there’s no cure for this illness once symptoms appear (it usually lasts up to 10 days). But it doesn’t cause organ failure like malaria does—and unlike many other viruses, it doesn’t cause death if left untreated long enough (though dehydration can accelerate death).

Dengue fever is marked by a high fever and a rash on the body—it’s often accompanied by headache and joint pain. Other symptoms include:

• Severe headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Body rashes
• Swollen glands
• Pain behind the eyes

Take a note-

There are some common symptoms of malaria and dengue-like high fever, nausea, fatigue, etc., but some exclusively occur in dengue patients. For example,

• Body rashes
• Swollen glands
• Eye pain

Diagnosis- Dengue and Malaria

Diagnosis of Malaria:

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

A physical examination may also be done. The doctor will check your blood for parasites and liver function tests may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Parasites can be found in the blood after a person has been infected with them through mosquito bites or through contact with pus from an infected person.

Tests can be used to diagnose malaria infection, including microscopy of red blood cells, antigen tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Diagnosis of Dengue:

The diagnosis of dengue is made based on the person’s symptoms and medical history.

There are several ways to test for the dengue virus, including lab tests, serology (blood testing) and virology (viral study).

Treatment depends on the person’s symptoms, but usually includes rest and fluids, fever reduction with paracetamol or ibuprofen, and medication to prevent further infection.

Treatment for Dengue and Malaria

Treatment for Malaria:

Malaria is a serious, life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.

There are three types of malaria: Falciparum, vivax, and malaria parasites that cause both falciparum and vivax infections.

Falciparum malaria is the most deadly form of the disease and is caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.

The most common treatment for malaria is called chemoprophylaxis. Chemoprophylaxis involves taking drugs to prevent malaria infection.

Treatment for Falciparum malaria usually involves using one or more antimalarial drugs for several weeks or months. If treatment does not work within a few weeks, additional medical measures may be necessary, such as blood transfusions or surgery to remove the spleen.

Treatment for Dengue:

Dengue virus is a highly contagious tropical virus caused by the dengue mosquito, causing fever, headache, and body aches. Unlike malaria, Dengue can be treated with antiviral drugs.

Treatment for Dengue typically involves rest and fluids to help eliminate the fever and reduce the severity of the other symptoms. If left untreated, Dengue can lead to serious medical complications such as heart problems or even death.

Prevention of Dengue and Malaria

• Prevent water from stagnation around your surroundings
• Keep the enables covered
• Use mosquito nets and repellents (containing DEET or citronella oil).
• Your clothing should ensure maximum protection from mosquitoes.
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Dispose of the solid waste properly

Final words

It’s important to remember that these two diseases are very different, even though they both cause similar symptoms. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through infected mosquitoes’ bites.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted from one person to another through mosquito bites or contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva or mucus secretions from broken skin surfaces.

If you are confused about either of them, get in touch with your doctor immediately. So that you can get treatment quickly before it becomes worse than ever!