Malaria vs Dengue: Understanding the Differences, Symptoms and Prevention

Malaria and dengue are two mosquito-borne diseases and have shown a significant rise in cases recently. These can cause severe illnesses if not treated promptly. Due to the overlapping of symptoms, these conditions are being confused by a lot of people. Misdiagnosis between dengue and malaria is common and can lead to ineffective medical care. Therefore, understanding the differences between malaria and dengue is important for early & timely detection and effective medical care. In the article, we will further explore the differences, understand the causes of dengue malaria, and effective strategies to prevent the dengue malaria symptoms. 

At Pristyn Care, we offer modern and advanced diagnostics and treatment solutions for mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue. Our team of highly skilled and experienced team of doctors specializes in providing accurate diagnosis and individualised care, ensuring faster recovery. 

Difference between malaria and dengue

While both malaria and dengue are caused by mosquito bites, they differ fundamentally in their causative agents and vectors. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In contrast, dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. This distinction in vectors is crucial for understanding their spread and control.

How do malaria and dengue spread?

An effective prevention strategy requires an understanding of the transmission mechanisms of dengue and malaria. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which mostly bites at dusk or dawn. Dengue, on the other hand, is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day and breed in stagnant water. Dengue outbreaks are exacerbated by the presence of these mosquitoes in urban and semi-urban environments.

Symptoms of dengue and malaria 

Dengue malaria test

Dengue is diagnosed through blood tests, which are done to detect the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies that are produced in response to the infection. Common tests done to diagnose dengue include the NS1 antigen test and the dengue antibody tests. Microscopic examination of blood is being done to detect Plasmodium parasites, or rapid diagnostic tests that identify the malaria antigens in the blood. For dengue malaria prevention, cleaning the mosquito breeding grounds, keeping the surroundings clean, using natural remedies and mosquito coils or repellants, and a timely medical attention are crucial for the prevention of dengue and malaria. 

How can we control the spread of malaria and dengue?

• Cleanse the mosquito breeding ground

Areas that can hold standing water, such as flower pots, coolers, bird baths, broken bottles, coconut shells, unused tires, etc., should be timely cleaned or eliminated, if not necessary to be kept. You should change the water in vases and wash dishes regularly. Also, the drainage in anad around your house should be proper. 

• Mosquito repellent and nets

Use mosquito repellants on exposed skin areas and install mosquito screens on doors and windows. You should also use mosquito nets while sleeping and mosquito coils indoors, if your location lies in high-risk areas.

• Protective clothing

Keep the skin covered by wearing light-colored and long-sleeved clothes and pants. You must avoid dark-colored clothes as they attract mosquitoes. Get the children properly dressed and covered when playing outdoors. 

• Natural remedies

Lavender oil, neem oil, and eucalyptus act as natural repellents. Also, the burning of dried neem leaves, or using camphor in closed rooms or spaces, helps deter mosquitoes naturally. 

• Keep the surroundings clean

Try to keep the surroundings clean to avoid the creation of microhabitats for mosquito larvae, and do not dump garbage or litter in open areas.  

• Timely medical attention 

Contact a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms such as high fever, rashes, and severe body aches. Early and timely diagnosis is essential for the prevention of dengue and malaria complications, such as cerebral malaria and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Also, stay updated with the latest updates if you live in a high-risk zone

Conclusion

Dengue and malaria continue to be worldwide health issues that need to be managed and controlled with coordinated efforts. Their burden can be considerably decreased by identifying the signs of dengue and malaria, comprehending how they are spread, and taking preventative action. Appropriate medical care and prompt dengue malaria testing are essential for efficient disease management. We can better control the spread of dengue and malaria by implementing comprehensive preventative strategies and raising public awareness.

FAQs

• What is the test for malaria and dengue?

Dengue and malaria tests include blood tests to detect dengue antigens and malaria antigens or parasites. Additionally, a comprehensive fever package advanced, which includes a set of tests, is also being in order to understand the cause behind the development of fever. 

• Can malaria be cured?

Malaria is a curable disease. Early diagnosis and proper treatment with anti-malarial medicines can prevent further spread. If left untreated, malaria can become severe and fatal.

• What are the symptoms of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya?

Fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, rashes, nausea, and fatigue are a few of the symptoms of dengue malaria chikungunya.

• What is the cause of dengue and malaria?

Dengue is caused by the Aedes mosquito, and malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. Although both are mosquito-borne diseases, the causative agents and the type of mosquito transmitting them are different.