• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Amid flooding and waterlogging in various parts of the country, the risk of water-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya is on the rise. Heavy rainfall and waterlogging situations are the probable reasons behind the spike in dengue cases in the country. Health experts believe that the risk of mosquito breeding is high even if the flood water recedes and stagnant water remains in various places.

Dr. Vivek Sharma, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh shared some useful tips to differentiate between dengue, malaria and viral fever. Malaria, dengue fever, and regular fever can be challenging as they share some common symptoms. However, there are certain characteristics that can help distinguish them.

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is an illness which is spread by the bite of mosquitoes infected with one of the dengue viruses. Severe dengue is a life-threatening situation with worsening of dengue symptoms. Warning signs of severe dengue are usually seen 24 to 48 hours after the fever goes away.

Symptoms Of Dengue

Dengue fever symptoms start to appear four to 10 days after a mosquito bite and can last for about three to seven days. About 1 in 20 people sick with dengue will develop severe dengue after their initial symptoms begin to fade. When a dengue virus-infected mosquito bites, the virus can enter your blood and make copies of itself in your body. The virus and your immune system’s response can make you feel sick.

What Is Malaria And Its Symptoms?

Malaria as a disease caused by a parasite which is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick with a high fever and shaking chills. Common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, general feeling of discomfort, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, rapid breathing and cough among others.

How To Differentiate Malaria And Dengue Fever From Viral Fever?

According to Dr. Sharma, in Malaria, fever tends to have a cyclic pattern, occurring in episodes every 24 to 72 hours, depending on the type of malaria parasite involved. It can also cause anemia and an enlarged spleen. While dengue fever often presents with a sudden onset of symptoms like high fever, severe headache (usually behind the eyes), joint and muscle pain, rash, mild bleeding (nose or gums), fatigue., including a high fever that lasts 2-7 days. 

Whereas, in a regular fever like viral fever patient is grossly asymptomatic and is almost fine in between the fever episodes, the regular fever is accompanied along with other symptoms including headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, says Dr. Sharma. These symptoms of a regular fever are generally milder and less specific than those of malaria or dengue fever. The fever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as the common cold or flu.

 

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)

FAQ