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Reviewed by

Dr. Ranbir Chowdhary

Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine

Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake

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Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya: Know the Difference to Stay Safe

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Monsoons in India are a great relief after the scorching summer months! However, as every rose has its thorn, the downpour also brings the mosquito menace, spreading diseases such as dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya.

According to studies, India has reported over 151,519 cases of Malaria, 32,000 cases of Dengue, and 192,343 cases of Chikungunya in 2024.

You might feel confused about the difference between Dengue and Malaria, or wonder how to identify if it is Chikungunya instead. These three vector-borne diseases can feel similar at first glance- fever, fatigue, body pain but each has its tell-tale signs and risks.

Synopsis

Dengue
Malaria
Chikungunya
Difference between Dengue and Chikungunya
Difference between Dengue and Chikungunya
How can we control the spread of Malaria or Dengue, and prevent Chikungunya?
Conclusion

Dengue

Dengue is caused by the Dengue virus (DENV) and spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which bites during the daytime, especially early morning and late afternoon. Dengue is also called the ‘Break-bone Fever’ as it causes severe joint and muscle pain that makes you feel like your bones are breaking.

In severe cases, dengue can progress to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome, which are medical emergencies.

Symptoms of Dengue
Sudden high fever (often reaching 104°F or higher)
Skin rashes that may appear 3–4 days after the fever begins
Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Cold symptoms, such as a sore throat or mild cough, in some cases
Nausea or vomiting
Low platelet count, which may cause bleeding gums, easy bruising, or nosebleeds

There is no specific medicine for dengue. Treatment mostly includes rest, hydration, and managing the fever. It is advisable to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, though — they can increase bleeding risk.

Tips to stay safe from dengue, malaria and chikungunya

Malaria

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is spread by the Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes prefer to bite at night, especially between dusk and dawn. Symptoms usually appear 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of Malaria
Repeating cycles of fever and chills with a periodic pattern (every 48 or 72 hours in some types)
A cold shiver before the fever spikes, followed by a high fever and then sweating as the fever subsides
Headache
Muscle ache
Rapid Heartbeat
Weakness/tiredness
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain and Diarrhoea

Unlike dengue, malaria can be treated with anti-malarial drugs after being diagnosed with a blood test. Early diagnosis is the key to recovery. If you live in or travel to a malaria-prone area, you may even be prescribed preventive medication.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya, just like Dengue, is spread by the Aedes mosquito but is caused by the Chikungunya virus. The symptoms are somewhat similar, too, but here is the key difference: the joint pain in chikungunya can last for weeks or even months. In some cases, people even have a lingering stiffness like arthritis.

Symptoms of Chikungunya
High Fever (often above 102°F) that lasts a few days
Chills/shivers
Severe joint and muscle pain, often making it hard to move
Swelling of joints
Headache
Conjunctivitis
Skin rash and red eyes
Nausea/vomiting
Extreme fatigue

Chikungunya also has no specific cure. The focus is mainly on relieving symptoms — painkillers (like paracetamol), fluids, and rest can help.

Difference between Dengue and Malaria

	Dengue	Malaria
Cause	Dengue virus (DENV)	Plasmodium parasite
Mosquito Type & Bite Time	Aedes Aegypti- Daytime biter	Anopheles- Night-time biter
Key Symptoms	High fever, eye pain, rash, low platelets, joint/muscle pain	Fever-chills cycle, sweating, nausea, headache
Treatment	Hydration, paracetamol	Anti-malarial drugs

Difference between Dengue and Chikungunya

	Dengue	Chikungunya
Cause	Dengue virus (DENV)	Chikungunya virus
Mosquito Type & Bite Time	Aedes Aegypti- Daytime biter	Aedes Aegypti- Daytime biter
Key Symptoms	High fever, eye pain, rash, low platelets, joint/muscle pain	High fever, joint pain lasting weeks, fatigue, rash
Treatment	Hydration, paracetamol	Medicines for symptom relief, hydration

How can we control the spread of Malaria or Dengue, and prevent Chikungunya?

Prevention is your best bet! Fighting the source of a disease is much easier than struggling with the disease itself.

You can-

Apply mosquito repellents on the skin and clothing
Wear full-sleeved clothes when in mosquito-prone areas
Keep the surroundings clean and empty flower pots, coolers, and water containers regularly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water
Use mosquito nets, especially while sleeping during the day
Install mesh on windows to keep mosquitoes out
Avoid perfumes or scents that may attract mosquitoes

Conclusion

Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya can all make you feel unwell, but with a bit of awareness, you can reduce your risk. Remember, the key is early recognition and prompt medical attention. If you or someone you know has symptoms like persistent fever, joint pain, or fatigue, please check with your doctor immediately instead of self-treatment, which may result in medical complications. You can also consult with a top Internist in Saltlake.

FAQ's

What are the main symptoms to look out for in case of Malaria, Dengue or Chikungunya?

The signs specific to each of these diseases include-

Malaria- Fever, chills, sweating, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain
Dengue- High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, rashes, and joint/muscle pain
Chikungunya- Sudden high fever, severe and debilitating joint pain, skin rash, and fatigue