QUESTION

How long must a malaria parasite grow in its host before it can be transmitted to humans?

ANSWER

The successful development of the malaria parasite in the mosquito (from the  “gametocyte” stage to the “sporozoite” stage) depends on several factors, but usually takes 10 – 18 days. The  most important is ambient temperature and humidity (higher temperatures  accelerate the parasite growth in the mosquito).