The Spread of Malaria

Malaria parasites are spread by…

infecting two hosts - the female anopheles mosquito and humans

How do mosquitos spread malaria?

The female anopheles mosquito bites a human for food, if this person has the parasite then the mosquito can spread it to another person by biting them.

what is the suitable climate for the spread of malaria

between 15° and 40° all year round, 60% humidity and frequent heavy rain

where do mosquitos go to digest their meal?

shaded areas

Where do mosquito larvae grow?

stagnant water e.g. lakes and puddles

An abundant population means…

the spread is increased as without humans the mosquito could not feed

stagnant water

increasing stagnant water by leaving storage pots uncovered, reservoirs stopping water from flowing freely, dams reduce river flow thereby creating stagnant pools where water used to flow.

lack of investment in…

sanitation, health care and education encourages the spread of malaria

lack of infrastructure…

due to migration leading to spontaneous settlements without drains in marshland which is perfect for moquitos

people don’t take their medication…

either because they want to save money by buying less medication or because farmers need to work to stop their crops from failing so then the disease can be spread from these people

bad roads and hospitals leads to…

people unable to get to hospital, no hospital to treat people in, pot holes in roads serve as breeding ground for mosquito larvae

tourists…

can catch the disease and spread it around the world