Malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by protist parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The parasite has stages of its life cycle in both humans and mosquitoes.

A mosquito acts as a vector: it carries the parasite and can transmit it to a human when it bites. Malaria can cause repeated episodes of fever and can be fatal.

Reducing the spread of malaria

Preventing mosquitoes from breeding reduces the number of mosquitoes that can transmit the parasite. Mosquito nets reduce transmission by preventing mosquitoes from biting people. Both measures reduce opportunities for the parasite to pass to humans.