UNDERSTANDING MALARIA: HOW IT DIFFERS FROM OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on April 25,2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

On World Malaria Day, it’s vital to distinguish malaria from other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. While all are transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites via Anopheles mosquitoes, which bite at night. In contrast, diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are viral and spread by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day. Misdiagnosis is common due to overlapping symptoms, but complications differ—malaria may lead to cerebral involvement and kidney failure, while dengue often causes hemorrhage due to low platelet count.

Unique to malaria, rare strains can remain dormant for years, and beer consumption has been found to attract Anopheles. In 1943, Disney created a PSA featuring Snow White’s dwarfs to promote malaria prevention. India sees seasonal spikes post-monsoon, but awareness, insecticide-treated nets, and better diagnosis have improved control. Understanding these differences is crucial for timely and accurate treatment, as emphasized by experts like Dr. Charles Guissou and Dr. Ajay Gupta.