What is the Difference Between Zika and Dengue?

Zika and dengue are both mosquito-borne viruses transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, and they share similar clinical features, such as fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. However, there are differences between the two diseases:

1. Severity: Although Zika virus infection is self-limiting, it has been associated with birth defects in pregnant women and other health complications. In contrast, severe dengue virus infection can lead to vascular leakage, dengue shock, and death.
2. Vector: Both Zika and dengue are transmitted by the same mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
3. Transmission: Zika virus is more infectious than dengue and chikungunya.
4. Symptoms: While the symptoms of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya can be similar, there are some differences. For example, conjunctivitis is more common in Zika virus infections.
5. Diagnosis: Differentiating between Zika and dengue infections can be challenging, but a study in Singapore showed that the diagnostic indices of conjunctivitis, platelet count, and monocyte count reliably distinguished between the two viruses.
6. Prevention: The primary preventative message for travelers is to be aware of the risk and take precautions against mosquito bites.

In summary, while Zika and dengue share similar clinical features, they differ in severity, transmission, and specific symptoms. Proper diagnosis and prevention measures are crucial to manage and control these diseases.

Comparative Table: Zika vs Dengue

Zika and dengue are both viral infections transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, and they share similar clinical features. However, there are some differences in their clinical presentation. Here is a table comparing the differences between Zika and dengue:

Adapted from.

Zika and dengue share common symptoms such as fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and retro-orbital pain. However, there are some differences in their clinical presentation. For example, conjunctivitis is more common in Zika cases, while bleeding is more common in dengue cases. Additionally, lymphadenopathy is more frequently observed in dengue cases.