Malaria mosquito

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Malaria Mosquito

The Malaria Mosquito refers to the female Anopheles mosquito species, which are the primary vectors of malaria. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Biology and Lifecycle[edit | edit source]

The lifecycle of the malaria mosquito consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female Anopheles mosquito lays her eggs on the surface of fresh or salt water. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into pupae. The pupae eventually emerge as adult mosquitoes. Only the female mosquitoes feed on blood, which they require for egg production.

Role in Malaria Transmission[edit | edit source]

Malaria transmission occurs when a female Anopheles mosquito infected with Plasmodium parasites bites a human. The parasites are transferred from the mosquito's saliva into the person's bloodstream, where they travel to the liver and begin to multiply.

Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]

Prevention and control of malaria primarily involves controlling the Anopheles mosquito population and preventing mosquito bites. This can be achieved through the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying with insecticides, and antimalarial drugs.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD