Megan Greischar

Assistant Professor

Megan Greischar, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University, studies parasites and the transmission of infection – particularly, malaria. Her recent research looked at malaria diagnostics and the impact on vaccine efficacy.

Greischar says:

“Egypt’s certification as malaria-free by the WHO is hopeful news. Malaria infections are often without obvious acute symptoms in humans living where infections are common, meaning detecting and treating the disease in humans requires substantial, coordinated effort. However, preventing spread can also be achieved by controlling the mosquito vector. 

“In Egypt and elsewhere, vector control and international cooperation – since mosquitoes do not respect national borders – has been essential in controlling the spread of malaria. Nonetheless, sustaining malaria elimination is very challenging, and certification as malaria-free does not mean the risk is zero. For example, the U.S. is also WHO certified as malaria-free, but the CDC reported locally-acquired cases in Florida and Texas in 2023. Thus, even in malaria-free countries, ongoing effort is usually required to sustain malaria control.”