• Post By - Dr . Devel Patel Hospital
• Post Date - 2025-07-14

Caution! Do Not Ignore the Symptoms of Malaria and Dengue

The rainy season often brings a wave of relief from the scorching heat, but it also welcomes a rise in mosquito-borne diseases — most notably malaria and dengue. Both illnesses can become serious or even life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated in time.

Let’s understand why these diseases are dangerous, what their symptoms look like, and how to stay protected.
 

`What is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasite multiplies in the liver and then infects red blood cells.

 

Common Symptoms of Malaria:

 

• High fever with chills and shivering
• Sweating as fever subsides
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue

 

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites during the day.

 

Common Symptoms of Dengue:
 

• Sudden high fever (often 104°F or more)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, bone, and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
• Skin rashes (usually appear 2–5 days after fever begins)
• Low platelet count, which can lead to bleeding
• In severe cases: vomiting blood, internal bleeding, or organ damage

 

Malaria vs. Dengue – Key Differences

 

 

 

Feature	Malaria	Dengue
Cause	Plasmodium parasite	Dengue virus
Mosquito type	Anopheles	Aedes aegypti
Fever pattern	Cyclical with chills	Sudden high fever
Platelet count	Usually normal	Often drops significantly
Risk of bleeding	Rare	Common in severe dengue
Time of mosquito bite	Night (mostly)	Daytime (especially morning/evening)

 

 

 

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Symptoms

Ignoring early signs of malaria or dengue can lead to:
 

• Organ damage (especially liver and kidneys)
• Internal bleeding
• Hospitalization and longer recovery time
• In rare cases, death
• Early diagnosis through blood tests and prompt treatment can save lives.

 

 Prevention Tips

• Do not let water stagnate around your home (check pots, coolers, tanks).
• Use mosquito nets and repellents, especially at night.
• Keep surroundings clean and dry.
• Seek medical help immediately if fever lasts more than 2 days.

 

When to See a Doctor?

If you or your family members show any of these signs:
 

• Persistent high fever
• Severe body ache or rashes
• Bleeding gums or nose
• Vomiting or dizziness
• Extreme fatigue

Don’t self-medicate. Visit a nearby clinic or hospital and get tested for malaria and dengue.

 

 

Conclusion
 

Your health is your first priority. Malaria and dengue are preventable and treatable  but only if addressed early. Stay informed, stay protected, and never ignore the symptoms.