Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert after five cases of malaria were confirmed in Florida and Texas. The cases are the first in 20 years that originated in the United States, with no links to travel abroad.
Malaria is on the rise and the health organization has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) to prevent people from getting sick. The mosquito-borne disease has not appeared in the United States since 2003 and is becoming a matter of concern.
The CDC report states “CDC is working with two US state health departments in investigating local cases of mosquito-borne Plasmodium vivax malaria. There is no evidence that the cases in the two states (Florida and Texas) are related.”
“In Florida, four cases have been identified geographically close to each other and active surveillance of additional cases is underway. Mosquito control and control measures are being implemented in the affected area. One case has been identified in Texas and additional case surveillance, as well as mosquito monitoring and control, is underway.” it added.
With increased stress, there is a possibility of confusion between malaria and dengue. That’s why it’s important to learn to distinguish between the two mosquito-borne diseases.
What is malaria?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person. The parasite cells then reach the liver and multiply in numbers, going deeper into the bloodstream and causing discomfort, fever and chills.
Source: CDC
According to the CDC, there are four types of malaria parasites:
- Plasmodium falciparum
- The vivax parasite
- oval parasite
- 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 areas with warm and 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 will be 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 with 619,000 deaths.
What is hemorrhagic fever?
Dengue fever is also a disease caused by mosquitoes that transmit the dengue virus. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. These mosquitoes are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including parts of the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Ocean.
There are 4 types of dengue virus:
- DENV-1
- DENV-2
- DENV-3
- DENV-4
Dengue symptoms usually appear 4-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In some cases, dengue can develop into a more serious 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 | parasites (plasmodium) | Virus (dengue fever) |
Transfer | Mosquitoes (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 |
seriously | It can be mild or severe and can be fatal | It can vary from mild to severe, with the most severe form being dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). |
The treatment | An antimalarial drug | There is no specific treatment for dengue, but supportive care can be provided to relieve symptoms. |
Prevent | Avoid mosquito bites | Avoid mosquito bites and get vaccinated against dengue if you’re traveling to an area where dengue is common |
In summary, both dengue and malaria are mosquito-borne diseases and can be fatal. It is necessary to take the necessary measures and conduct an examination if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers malaria a medical emergency and requires appropriate treatment.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education