Difference Between Malaria and Dengue Symptoms

Difference Between Malaria and Dengue | Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis

Malaria and Dengue are mosquito-borne diseases, but are caused by different pathogens, showing distinct symptoms. Although both diseases are prevalent in tropical regions, it is crucial to recognise their differences for an effective diagnosis and treatment. Read on to discover more about them.

Key Differences Between Malaria and Dengue Symptoms

Here is an overview of some key differences between Malaria and Dengue symptoms:

Symptoms	Malaria	Dengue
Fever	Cyclical (cold phase, fever, sweating)	Sudden high fever that remains constant
Pain	Mild muscle pain and headache	Severe joint and muscle pain
Rash	Rare	It appears after the fever starts
Bleeding	Not typical	Nosebleeds, Gum Bleeds
Anaemia	Common	Rare
Enlarged Spleen	Common in more severe cases	Not seen in Dengue

What is dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus. It is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

In severe cases, it leads to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), both of which are very fatal. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but early medical care can help to manage the symptoms.

Complications of Dengue

Dengue is very self-limiting and not fatal in most cases, but severe forms of the disease can lead to life-threatening complications. Here is an overview of them:

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF): It is the most serious complication of dengue and leads to low platelet count, plasma leakage, and severe bleeding. This leads to fluid leakage from the blood vessels and into body cavities.
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): The DSS occurs when the body experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure, which causes shock. Symptoms like rapid heart rate, weak pulse, and clammy skin accompany it.
Fatigue and Post-Dengue Syndrome: Even after recovery from the acute phase of dengue, many patients experience prolonged fatigue, depression, and muscle weakness.

What is malaria?

Malaria refers to a parasitic infection caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is mostly prevalent in the subtropical and tropical areas.

If untreated, it can lead to severe complications like cerebral malaria, anaemia and organ failure. The condition is treatable with antimalarial medications, and its prevention includes the use of mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs.

Complications of Malaria

Malaria can lead to a range of complications, especially in severe cases. They lead to long-term health problems and even death if not treated appropriately. Here is an overview of a few such complications that individuals might face:

Cerebral Malaria: It is one of the most serious complications of malaria and occurs when the Plasmodium parasites infect the brain. This leads to confusion, swelling, seizures, and potentially even a coma. When untreated, cerebral malaria can be very fatal.
Organ Failure: In severe malaria, the parasite causes damage to the liver, lungs and kidneys. Thus, it leads to organ failure and requires immediate attention and intensive care.
Respiratory Distress: Malaria also leads to different respiratory complications, like fluid accumulation in the lungs. This, in turn, can lead to difficulty in breathing and potentially respiratory failure.

The primary factors distinguishing malaria and dengue are the fever pattern, pain intensity, and complications. Both diseases can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Hence, an early diagnosis and prompt medical care are necessary to reduce the risk of these life-threatening conditions.

Difference Between Malaria and Dengue Symptoms