Is it Malaria or Dengue? Here’s methods to know the distinction between the 2 mosquito-borne ailments

Malaria and dengue are each mosquito-borne ailments that may trigger important health issues and are vital world considerations whose prevention efforts, together with mosquito management and private safety, are important to scale back their transmission and affect on affected populations. Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, notably in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and components of Central and South America and is brought on by Plasmodium parasites, that are transmitted to people via the bites of contaminated feminine Anopheles mosquitoes whereas Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, notably in city areas with dense mosquito populations i.e. it is not uncommon in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and components of Central and South America the place it’s brought on by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to people via the bites of contaminated Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti.

Seeking medical consideration promptly is vital for correct analysis and acceptable remedy. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant Infectious Diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, defined, “Malaria and Dengue are two commonly reported and widespread vector borne illness being reported especially during peak seasons. While Malaria is caused by parasite plasmodium species and Dengue fever by dengue virus both are common in mode of spread through vector – mosquito borne former by anopheles and later by aedes, respectively. Though with common seasonal trend and high-grade fever as common and index presentation they both differ in other symptoms. While Malaria causes high grade fever with chills with evening rise in temperature along with weakness, sugar fluctuations. On the other hand, Dengue causes fever with more joint, muscle pain and headache.”

She elaborated, “Malaria, if complicated, can lead to variable organ involvement and causes jaundice, dark urine, liver injury and even coma in frequent case scenario. Dengue in its complicated form can causes bleeding diathesis and presents as low platelets and bleeding manifestation. Diagnosis of both is done by blood test. While Malaria diagnosis relies on direct demonstration of parasite and antigen, dengue diagnosis mandates antigen/antibody testing. Management of both also differ considerably. Malaria needs early diagnosis and targeted therapy in form of antimalarials for specified duration to treat and to prevent recurrence. In dengue management is majorly supportive and conservative aiming for hydration and weakness. Though prevention of both needs mosquito control measures, vaccination is also potential tool to prevent severity and infection in both.”

Echoing that Dengue is a viral sickness transmitted by the chew of Aedes Aegypti mosquito whereas malaria is brought on by a single celled organism referred to as Plasmodium which is transmitted by the chew of Anopheles mosquito, Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, revealed that the signs of malaria begin 10-15 days after the mosquito chew. He listed the most typical signs as:

a) Fever preceded by chills and profuse shivering occurring in a cyclical method

B) Headache physique ache and joint ache

C) Jaundice and Low Hemoglobin

D) Low blood sugar and blood in urine

E) Seizures and coma ( particularly in falciparum malaria)

Dr Tushar Tayal highlighted, “Untreated malaria can be life threatening and can cause respiratory and kidney failure, convulsions, spontaneous bleeding and even death. Whereas the symptoms of dengue generally start 1 week after the mosquito bite. The initial symptoms of dengue are high grade fever, headache , pain behind the eyes, nausea and joint pain which last for approximately five days. By the end of this period is when the critical period starts where the BP falls, fluid accumulates in lungs and abdomen and rash develops and the platelets fall. Some patients may also show bleeding manifestation. It is extremely important to identify these symptoms and hospitalize the patient urgently as these symptoms may be life threatening.”

He identified, “This period is followed by the recovery phase which lasts 3-4 days. There are specific ANTI-MALARIAL medicines available for treating malaria whereas there are no specific medicines for dengue and the treatment is primarily symptomatic.” Dr Tushar Tayal emphasised that the preventive measures are frequent for each the sicknesses that are as follows-

1) Preventing accumulation of nonetheless water in homes and environment

2) Spraying Larvicidal pesticides and pesticides in stagnant water

3) Use of mosquito nets, aerosolised pesticides in rooms whereas sleeping

4) Use of DEET or Picaridin based mostly insect repellants which might be utilized to the pores and skin and garments.