Difference between Dengue and Malaria
The onset of Monsoon in India always brings about a rise in the cases of dengue and malaria. Both these diseases are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Once infected with either of these diseases, the victims shows similar symptoms of fever and chills, making it very difficult to differentiate between the two.
However for proper treatment, it is important the patient is diagnosed for the right disease. This makes it very important that one understand the differences between dengue fever and malaria fever. Here are a few pointers that will help you understand these two diseases (dengue and malaria) better.
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It can be further spread if another mosquito bites the infected person and then spread it to people. This dengue mosquito usually attacks during the day.
Malaria is caused by the bite of a female anopheles mosquito. It can only be spread by the bite of a female anopheles mosquito unlike dengue. The malaria mosquito usually attacks during the night.
Dengue symptoms appear 4-5 days after being infected.
Malaria symptoms appear 10-15 days after being bitten.
: Dengue fever strikes the patient suddenly and remains for a long time. It is usually accompanied with severe headache and bone pain. Dengue fever can disappear soon but it usually reappears with skin rashes.
Malaria fever keeps reoccurring in shorter duration and is accompanied with other symptoms like joint pain, vomiting, sweating, anaemia etc. Malaria usually occurs in the following stages: chills, heat and sweating.
Dengue can be thoroughly examined through a chemical process. The two tests that diagnose dengue are Antigen tests and Anti body test.
Malaria is examined by microscopic tests of the visuals of the virus.