A Nobel Prize was later awarded to Sir Ronald Ross for the discovery.

Once mosquitoes were identified as the carrier of malaria, strides were taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

One of the most effective tools for preventing its spread are nets treated with insecticide that are placed around beds. Between 2008 and 2010, 294 million nets were distributed in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, a high-risk area, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Immunizations and indoor spraying have also proved effective.

Do mosquitoes prefer some people over others? Science suggests they do, as the insects are drawn to higher metabolism rates, higher body temperatures and more sweat, among other factors.

The best bet to fend them off may be spray, as those citronella candles don’t really work. Here are some more tips.

Lauren Hard contributed reporting.

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