What is the primary mode of transmission for malaria aside from mosquito bites?

Malaria is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. However, aside from this common mode of transmission, malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusions. This occurs when an individual receives blood from someone who is infected with the malaria parasite. In regions where malaria is endemic, it is crucial that blood donations are screened appropriately to prevent this type of transmission.

The other options, such as sexual contact, airborne transmission, and contaminated food, are not significant modes for malaria transmission. Sexual contact does not spread the disease, as the malaria parasites are not capable of being transmitted in bodily fluids in that manner. Airborne transmission is also not applicable because malaria does not spread through the air like colds or flu. Contaminated food does not transmit malaria since the parasites do not survive in the digestive system and require the malaria vector, the mosquito, for their life cycle completion. This makes blood transfusion the secondary route of transmission highlighted here.