Difference Between Malaria and Dengue: All Details for UPSC!

Malaria and dengue pose significant threats to global public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates annual dengue infections to range from 100 to 400 million. Approximately 50 per cent of the world's population is at risk of dengue. As per WHO data, in 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of Malaria worldwide.

The difference between Malaria and Dengue is an important topic of the science section in the UPSC examination and falls under GS Paper 1 of prelims and GS Paper 3 of mains.

Difference between Dengue and Malaria

The difference between Dengue and Malaria is given in a table form, highlighting the main differences between dengue and Malaria:

About Dengue

Dengue is caused by dengue virus. The virus is transmitted to people by infected Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). Tropical and subtropical regions are highly prone to dengue. Dengue is a serious problem in India too. Dengue virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses. DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4 are the four different serotypes that exist. Any of these serotypes can cause infections. Multiple infections with various serotypes might make the condition worse.

Female Aedes mosquitoes acquire the dengue virus from human blood. 

• Within the mosquito, the virus multiplies and replicates. 
• During incubation, the virus proliferates in the mosquito. 
• After incubation, the mosquito can transmit the virus.
• The virus infects immune cells and replicates inside them. 
• Subsequently, the virus spreads throughout the body, causing dengue symptoms.

Dengue cannot be transmitted directly between people. The virus primarily spreads through mosquitoes (primary vector). Still, in rare instances, transmission can occur through:

• Blood transfusions
• Organ transplants
• From infected mothers to their newborns during delivery

Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for dengue transmission, are most active during daylight. They have peak biting periods in the early morning and late afternoon. These mosquitoes commonly breed in stagnant water sources like open containers, discarded tires, and flower pots, where they lay their eggs. This makes it crucial to eliminate or properly manage these breeding sites to prevent the spread of dengue.

Major Symptoms of Dengue

Some of the symptoms of dengue are discussed in the table below:

About Malaria

Mosquitoes transmit Malaria. Parasites from the Plasmodium genus cause it. Female Anopheles mosquitoes spread it to humans. Malaria is a significant global health issue. It particularly affects tropical and subtropical regions. Many parts of India experience a high prevalence of Malaria. Multiple Plasmodium parasite species cause Malaria. Female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the disease to humans. The parasites travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. They return to the bloodstream from the liver and invade red blood cells. This invasion causes the red blood cells to rupture. The released parasites continue the cycle of multiplication and destruction. The characteristic symptoms of Malaria arise from this process.

Malaria is not directly transmitted between individuals. Mosquitoes play a crucial role as the primary vector. They carry and transmit Malaria parasites to humans. However, there are rare instances of transmission through: 

• Blood transfusions
• Organ transplants
• From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth

Major Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria exhibits diverse symptoms influenced by the parasite type and immune response. The onset typically happens between 7 to 30 days after the mosquito bite. Symptom intensity varies based on these factors. Various symptoms of Malaria are discussed in the table below.

In some severe cases, additional symptoms of Malaria can be observed. These may include jaundice, seizures, confusion, organ failure, and coma. Prompt treatment is crucial as severe Malaria can be life-threatening.

Conclusion

Dengue and Malaria are mosquito-borne diseases with global health risks. They are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Although sharing similarities, there are notable differences between the diseases. Differentiating between them is crucial for appropriate management. Accurate diagnosis through laboratory tests is essential. Public health efforts should focus on awareness, vector control, and prevention.

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