Malaria and dengue fever are both illnesses spread by mosquitoes and can look very similar in the early stages. This can make it difficult to know which one you’re dealing with, especially in areas where both diseases occur.
They come from different types of mosquitoes
- Malaria is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, which usually bite at night. They are generally found in rural areas and prefer dark, sheltered places to rest during the day.
- Dengue fever is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to bite during the day. They often prefer urban environments.
What malaria and dengue have in common
Both illnesses can start suddenly and may cause:
- High fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Extreme tiredness
Key differences to watch for
Malaria
- Fever with chills or shivering
- Sweating cycles
- Dizziness, weakness, or confusion
- More common in certain rural and cross-border regions
- Needs urgent treatment to prevent complications
Dengue Fever
- Intense headache, often behind the eyes
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- A rash that may appear after a few days
- Risk of dehydration
Treatment
Malaria is treated with antimalarial medicines. Early treatment is highly effective and can be lifesaving. On the other hand, Dengue fever is caused by a virus and not treated with antimalarials. It’s important to note that people with dengue should not take ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory medicines, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol is usually recommended for pain or fever, but treatment should always be guided by a healthcare professional.
Why early testing matters
Early testing is essential because malaria and dengue require different treatments. If you or your child develops a fever after mosquito exposure or travel, seek medical care promptly.
Get urgent help if symptoms include:
- Persistent or worsening fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme weakness
The safest approach: prevent mosquito bites
- Use mosquito repellent
- Sleep under a mosquito net in malaria-risk areas
- Wear long sleeves and trousers when possible
- Reduce standing water around the home
- Use window screens or fans
References
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-05996-5
https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Malaria-FAQs_19Jan2024.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/data-research/index.html
https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/dengue-fever/#
https://africacdc.org/disease/dengue-fever/#
https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/es/node/80#
