Dossier

Malaria

Scientists of Wageningen University & Research are developing strategies to fight malaria by researching the transmitters (malaria mosquitos) and pathogen.

Malaria is caused by single-celled parasites of the genus Plasmodium that belong to the Sporozoa. The parasite is transmitted to humans via anopheles (malaria mosquitoes). The World Health Organization estimates that 435,000 people died of the infectious disease malaria in 2015.

The word malaria comes from the Italian phrase for 'bad air', mala aria, and refers to the overpowering smell in swamps. Before the plasmodium parasite was discovered, the disease was attributed to the air in wetlands and the disease was known as swamp fever.

News:

Projects:

Read more in the Dossiers: