Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning after five cases of malaria were confirmed in Florida and Texas. This is the first case in 20 years discovered in the US, with no connection to foreign travel.
Malaria is becoming a leading problem and the health organization has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) to prevent people from catching the disease. The mosquito-borne disease has not occurred in the United States since 2003, and it is becoming a cause for concern.
The CDC report states “CDC is collaborating with two U.S. state health departments to conduct investigations of local mosquito-borne Plasmodium vivax malaria cases. There is no evidence that the incidents in the two states (Florida and Texas) are related.”
“In Florida, four geographically close cases have been identified and active surveillance for additional cases is ongoing. Mosquito surveillance and control measures have been implemented in the affected area. In Texas, one case has been identified and surveillance for additional cases as well as mosquito surveillance and control are ongoing.” it added.
With increased stress, there are more chances of confusion between Malaria and Dengue. That’s why it’s important to learn the difference between the two mosquito-borne diseases.
What is malaria?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasites transmitted when infected mosquitoes bite humans. The parasite cells then reach the liver and multiply in large numbers, entering the bloodstream and causing discomfort, fever and chills.
Source: CDC
According to the CDC, there are four types of malaria parasites:
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium oval
- Plasmodium malaria
Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, but it can also occur in temperate regions. The disease is spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are found in warm, humid climates. Malaria symptoms usually appear 10-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, symptoms can also appear weeks or even months later.
According to WHO, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 with 619,000 deaths.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is also a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. It is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. These mosquitoes are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including areas in the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
There are 4 types of dengue virus:
- DENV-1
- DENV-2
- DENV-3
- DENV-4
Symptoms of dengue usually appear 4-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In some cases, dengue fever can develop into a more severe form called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). DHF is characterized by bleeding from the nose and gums. It can also cause low blood pressure, shock, and organ failure. DHF is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention.
According to WHO, in 2019 there were 5.2 million cases of dengue fever.
Here is a list of differences between the two:
|
featured |
Malaria |
Dengue |
|
Cause |
Plasmodium (Plasmodium) |
Virus (Dengue) |
|
Transmitted by |
Mosquito (Female Anopheles) |
Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) |
|
Symptom |
Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and cough |
Fever, headache, muscle aches, rash and swollen glands |
|
Severity |
May be mild or severe and can be fatal |
Can range from mild to severe, the most severe being Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). |
|
The treatment |
Anti-malarial drugs |
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but supportive care can be provided to help relieve symptoms. |
|
Prevent |
Avoid mosquito bites |
Avoid mosquito bites and get vaccinated against dengue if you travel to an area where the disease is frequent |
In summary, both dengue and malaria are mosquito-borne diseases that can be fatal. It is essential to take the necessary measures and get tested if any of the above symptoms arise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that malaria is a medical emergency and requires appropriate treatment.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn