…..Explainer: What differs dengue disease from malaria?
The World Health Organization (WHO), on December 23, 2023, raised the alarm on the global increase in Dengue infections, where it said more than five million infections and 5,000 deaths from the disease worldwide were recorded in 2023. The UN agency described it as a potentially high public health threat.
The WHO Team Lead on Arboviruses, Dr. Diana Alvarez told journalists that the threat required maximal attention, while calling for support to countries that are currently controlling dengue outbreaks.
Dengue is the most common viral infection transmitted to humans bitten by infected mosquitoes. It is mostly found in urban areas within tropical and sub-tropical climates.
According to Alvarez, “climate change has an impact in dengue transmission because it increases rainfall, humidity and temperature. These mosquitoes are very sensitive to temperature.”
Severe dengue infections are marked by shock, severe bleeding or severe organ impairment, intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, fluid accumulation, lethargy, restlessness and liver enlargement.
The global prevalence of mosquitoes has changed in the last few years owing to the 2023 El Niño phenomenon, which accentuated the effects of global warming temperatures and climate change. But what differs Dengue disease from Malaria?
Dengue Disease:
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the Dengue virus, primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Dengue infection can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding. In severe cases, Dengue can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which are life-threatening conditions.
Malaria:
Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax being the most common species affecting humans. The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, typically occurring during nighttime. Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and, in severe cases, complications like anemia, organ failure, and cerebral malaria. Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Table comparing the characteristics, causes, and prevention measures of Dengue and Malaria:
| Feature | Dengue | Malaria |
|---|---|---|
| Disease Type | Viral infection caused by Dengue virus | Parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium species |
| Vector | Aedes mosquitoes (primarily Aedes aegypti) | Female Anopheles mosquitoes |
| Geographical Distribution | Tropical and subtropical areas globally | Primarily in tropical and subtropical regions |
| Causing Agent | Dengue virus (four serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) | Plasmodium parasites (mainly Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax) |
| Transmission | Mosquito bite (Daytime-biting mosquitoes) | Mosquito bite (Nighttime-biting mosquitoes) |
| Symptoms | High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, bleeding | Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, anemia, sometimes nausea and vomiting |
| Complications | Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome) | Severe Malaria (organ failure, anemia, cerebral malaria) |
| Prevention Measures | Mosquito control (elimination of breeding sites, insecticide use), avoiding mosquito bites (using repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing) | Bed nets treated with insecticide, antimalarial medications, draining stagnant water, insecticide spraying, preventive drugs in endemic areas |
| Vaccine | Dengue vaccine is available (CYD-TDV, Dengvaxia) | Malaria vaccine (RTS,S/AS01) is available, though effectiveness varies by region |
