Below is a table outlining the difference between the Zika virus and other mosquito borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue fever and Chikungunya. Source is Health Department’s Emergency and Surveillance manager and Epidemiologist Berry Ropa.

DiseaseMalariaZikaDengueChikungunya
CauseParasiteVirusVirusVirus
VectorAnopheles mosquitoes(night biting)Aedes mosquitoes (day biting)Aedes mosquitoes (day biting)Aedes mosquitoes (day biting)
Common Symptoms and Signs
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Anaemia

 

  • Fever (often less than 38.0C)
  • Skin rash
  • Headache
  • Arthralgia
  • Myalgia
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind eyes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Arthralgia
  • Myalgia
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Severe arthralgia
  • Nausea/Vomiting
Potential Complications (Common)
  • Anemia
  • Cerebral malaria
  • Microcephaly
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  • Shock
  • Bleeding
  • Chronic Arthralgia
Main TreatmentAnti-malarialsSymptomatic treatmentSymptomatic treatment (fluid resuscitation for severe dengue – see dengue treatment protocols)Symptomatic treatment
PreventionAvoidance of mosquito bites; Elimination of mosquito breeding sitesAvoidance of mosquito bites; Elimination of mosquito breeding sitesAvoidance of mosquito bites; Elimination of mosquito breeding sitesAvoidance of mosquito bites; Elimination of mosquito breeding sites
Reporting Case DefinitionAcute fever, and positive RDT or malaria microscopyFever and rash, with at least ONE of the following symptoms (not explained by any other medical condition):

  • Arthralgia
  • Myalgia
  • Non-purulent conjunctivitis
  • Headache
  • Malaise

 

Fever and at least TWO of the following symptoms:

  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind eyes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Arthralgia
  • Myalgia
  • Rash
  • Leukopenia
  • Bleeding
Acute fever and arthralgia, not explained by another medical condition
DiagnosisMalaria RDT or microscopy
Sample referral referred to Institute of Medical Research
Author:
Sally Pokiton