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Dengue, malaria, or viral fever? Learn key symptoms, causes, and prevention tips for monsoon illnesses to stay healthy this season.
Monsoon Illness Guide: How to identify dengue, malaria, and viral fever
Humidity peaks during the monsoon season, creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed while also weakening our immunity due to fluctuations in temperature. This combination leads to a rise in illnesses such as Dengue, Malaria, and Viral Fever. Because these conditions share certain symptoms like fever and body aches, they are often confused with one another. Identifying the underlying cause and major symptoms is therefore critical to taking timely precautions and avoiding complications.
Dr. Sowmya C C, Sr. Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru – Jayanagar, shares all you need to know:
Dengue Fever
The Dengue virus is spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which bite mostly during the daytime. Common symptoms include:
Sudden onset of high fever (generally above 102 °F)
Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
Severe muscle and joint pain
Skin rashes appearing 2–5 days after fever onset
Low platelet count in blood tests
Malaria
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms often include:
Fever with chills and shivering, usually in cycles
Sweating after the fever subsides
Fatigue and muscle pain
In some cases, jaundice and anemia
Seasonal Viral Fever
Seasonal viral fever is commonly caused by viruses spread through infected water, contaminated surfaces, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include:
Low to moderate fever (100–102 °F)
Sore throat, runny nose, and cough
Body aches and mild fatigue
Typically self-resolving within 3–5 days
Why Diagnosis Matters
While these illnesses share overlapping symptoms, only blood tests can confirm the exact cause. For this reason, it is important to consult a doctor instead of relying solely on symptom-based assumptions.
Prevention and Care
Preventing mosquito bites through protective measures and eliminating breeding grounds is key to reducing the risk of dengue and malaria. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene and seeking timely medical care for any symptoms are essential steps to protect your health during the monsoon season.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More