The Ongoing Chain of Malaria Infection
Malaria parasites survive by successfully infecting two different species – humans and Anopheles mosquitoes – at different stages of the parasite life cycle. The disease persists through an unbroken chain of infection between human and mosquito hosts. Malaria controls must focus on both the parasite and Anopheles in order to break this chain.
Anopheline mosquito species are especially effective transmitters thanks to their relatively long lives and strong preference for humans. This insect makes malaria transmission ten to twenty times more efficient than measles.
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Anopheles mosquito
Malaria persists through an unbroken chain of infection between human and mosquito hosts. (Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control) |
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