that bite malaria-infected patients.

As a result, the mosquitoes themselves get infected and transmit the parasites to healthy

persons during the next blood meal.

Research conducted at Wageningen University & Research has shown that children who are

infected with malaria parasites exude an odour that is more attractive to mosquito vectors.

High parasite levels in the child’s blood cause the child to release an odour that is

very attractive to mosquitoes.

Due to its irresistible scent, mosquitoes can easily find the infected child.

In this way, the parasite is more likely to be transmitted to another person.

This study increases knowledge of the way malaria is transmitted in the community.

If infected children are bitten by mosquitoes more frequently, the disease will spread more

easily.

This finding can also help prevent malaria.

By imitating the scent of a malaria-infected child, mosquitoes can be intercepted by odour-baited

traps in a very effective way.

As a result, the population of mosquitoes able to transmit malaria is being reduced,

allowing fewer people to contract the disease.

This is how Wageningen University & Research contributes to quality of life.