Cases of dengue, malaria and chikungunya are increasing rapidly in many parts of Delhi-NCR and the country. Their cases are being reported continuously in the hospital for some time. These diseases, which usually occur in the rainy season, are caused by mosquito bites. In such a situation, it is very important to be cautious in view of their increasing cases. Talking about their diagnosis, it becomes a bit difficult to identify malaria, dengue and chikungunya, because the symptoms of diseases caused by mosquitoes are quite similar.

However, it is very important to identify them early for timely and correct treatment. In such a situation, Dr. Tushar Tayal, Chief Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, while talking to us, told how malaria, chikungunya and dengue are different from each other and how they can be identified.

Dengue

Dengue usually causes sudden onset of fever, headache, joint pain, eye pain, muscle pain and body rash. All these symptoms usually appear a few days after the fever. The main symptom of dengue fever is severe pain in the muscles and joints, which is often called 'break fever'.

Malaria

Talking about malaria, its symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea and vomiting etc. Unlike dengue fever, malaria causes periodic fever (often every two-three days), which is according to the life cycle of the parasite. In some cases of malaria, anemia or jaundice may also occur due to the destruction of red blood cells.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya usually causes high fever and severe joint pain, especially in the hands, wrists and ankles. The joint pain caused by chikungunya is more severe and lasts longer than that of dengue fever, sometimes lasting for several months. All three of these diseases can cause high fever and joint pain. In such a situation, it is always important to consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment of all three.