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Are They the Same? Dengue vs Malaria

Battle of the Mosquito-Borne: Dengue vs Malaria Explained | DoctorOnCall

Dengue and malaria are two prevalent mosquito-borne diseases that can be fatal if not effectively addressed.[1] Read on to learn more about the differences between dengue and malaria.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a virus transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.[2] In Malaysia, the number of dengue cases increased from 66,102 cases in 2022 to 123,133 in 2023. This represents an 86% increase in the number of dengue cases. Outbreaks were noted in population-dense states like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.[3] ​

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a parasite transmitted by the Anopheles mosquitoes. Although Malaysia successfully eliminated human malaria infections from 2018 to 2021, Kelantan and Sabah reported malaria cases in 2023, emphasizing the need for continuous prevention efforts.[4],[5]

Malaria vs Dengue: What Are the Symptoms?

Both malaria and dengue may lead to serious health complications. While malaria can be treated with medications, there is no specific treatment for dengue. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the symptoms of malaria and dengue so that appropriate treatment can be sought early.

Category
Malaria[6],[7],[8]
Dengue[9],[10],[11]
Symptom onset after being bitten
10-15 days or up to one year
4-10 days
Differing Symptoms
  • Chills
  • Muscle ache
  • Constant feeling of fatigue
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Swollen glands
  • Rash
Complications
  • Anaemia
  • Jaundice
  • Kidney failure
  • Seizures
  • Mental confusion
  • Coma
  • Abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Bleeding incidents
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Fatigue and restlessness
  • Extreme thirst
Treatment
  • Artemisinin-based combination therapy
  • Chloroquine
  • Primaquine

Choice of medications is dependent on the type of malaria, parasite sensitivity, and other factors determined by healthcare professionals.

No specific treatment for dengue.

Healthcare professionals may provide supportive care through hydration or pain management.

How Can We Effectively Prevent These Diseases?

As malaria and dengue are both transmitted through mosquitoes, it is important to adopt effective prevention methods to reduce your risk of getting bitten. A holistic approach to preventing mosquito-borne diseases includes:

  1. Reducing the number of mosquito breeding grounds by clearing stagnant water or ensuring proper water drainage.[12]
  2. Controlling the population of mosquitoes through fogging.
  3. Personal protection methods like utilising mosquito nets, applying mosquito repellents, and wearing long-sleeved clothing to reduce the likelihood of getting bitten.[12]

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends malaria vaccination among children living in areas with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.[6] WHO also recommends dengue vaccination for children 6-16 years of age in settings with high dengue burden and transmission.[13]

By practicing an integrated approach to prevention, you can help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Speak to your doctor to learn more about prevention methods including vaccination.

References

  1. Arsalan, Q., Qadar, L. T., Ochani, R. K., Tahir, F., & Majid, Z. (2019). Collateral Presentation of Malaria and Dengue Viral Hemorrhagic Fever: A Rare Case. Cureus, 11(2), e4050. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4050
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Dengue - How Dengue is Spread. Retrieved December 17, 2023, from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/transmission/index.html
  3. Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI). i-Dengue: Dengue Surveillance System. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://idengue.mysa.gov.my/did_/
  4. “Malaria makes a scary comeback.” (2023, October 2). Retrieved December 4, 2023, from The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/02/malaria-makes-a-scary-comeback.
  5. Abdul Rahim, F. A., Md Yatim, M. F., Abdul Mutalip, M. H., & Mahmud, M. A. F. (2023). Assessing the population’s correct knowledge of malaria in Malaysia: a vital component for malaria elimination certification. Malaria Journal, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-023-04704-1
  6. World Health Organization. (2023). Malaria. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Malaria - About Malaria - Biology. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from CDC: https://cdc.gov/malaria/about/index.html
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Malaria - Symptoms of Malaria. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/symptoms_malaria.html
  9. World Health Organization. (2023). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
  10. Heilman, J. M., De Wolff, J., Beards, G. M., & Basden, B. J. (2014). Dengue fever: a Wikipedia clinical review. Open Med, 8(4), 105–115.
  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Symptoms and Treatment | Dengue. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/symptoms/index.html.
  12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Avoid Dengue by Preventing Mosquito Bites. Retrieved September 27, 2023, from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/avoid-dengue.html
  13. World Health Organization. (2024). WHO prequalifies new dengue vaccine. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2024-who-prequalifies-new-dengue-vaccine

This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0391 FEB 2025

Written By Dr Shobika Nair, Doctor of Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia on

Reviewed By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor