No, filaria is not malaria. They are distinct diseases caused by different parasites and transmitted by different mechanisms.
Here's a breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | Malaria | Filaria (Filariasis) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Protozoan parasites (Plasmodium species) | Filarial nematode worms |
| Transmission | Bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes | Bite of infected mosquitoes (e.g., Anopheles, Culex, Aedes) or blackflies |
| Symptoms | Fever, chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | Lymphoedema (swelling), elephantiasis, hydrocele, skin thickening |
| Examples | Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax | Lymphatic filariasis, Loiasis, Mansonellosis |
In essence, malaria is caused by protozoa transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, while filariasis is caused by nematode worms transmitted by various types of mosquitoes and blackflies. They are completely different diseases.
