Differences between Malaria and Dengue

Exploring the Differences between Malaria and Dengue

Since both are common and well known tropical diseases, malaria and dengue are often mentioned in the same breath but are vastly different diseases.

For one, Malaria and dengue are usually not found in the same locations. While dengue is predominantly found in urban areas, malaria is not. And while both dengue and malaria are generally spread by mosquitoes, the type of mosquitoes that spread each disease is different. Dengue is spread by the Aedes mosquito, whereas malaria is spread by the Anopheles mosquito.

When it comes to symptoms, there are several which are shared such as fever, joint pains, occasional nausea, and a couple of others. Notably however, the characteristic symptoms of each disease represent the biggest differences of malaria and dengue fever.

With its classic rash, the symptoms of dengue fever do not resemble malaria in the slightest. Instead of a rash, malaria is most commonly recognized by its cycles of sudden chills, shaking, and fever.
As the differences between malaria and dengue fever are clear cut, there is generally little trouble for medical experts to tell between them. That said, knowing how to recognize each yourself would not hurt.

Please click on the links to learn more about Dengue Fever: Danger Areas, Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment as well as How to Avoid and Treat Malaria.