The Post-Tribune editor, Pete Peterson, called a team of crack reporters together. He has assigned them to investigate the problem and to write a series of articles on the problem, solutions, and the actions Government and people can take to eradicate the problem.

At the meeting with news staff, Pete Peterson, noted that during the 1940s, malaria cases, once thought to be a disease no longer a problem, had increased dramatically. Now cases exceeded 1200 and seemed to be rising. Pete continued stating that the community was highly concerned, the Mosquito Control Commissions were active, and the public health community alarmed at the rise. He observed that Dr. Thomas Headlee had headed up mosquito control in the state for decades and was about to retire. Headlee's legacy was felt at this time as the control techniques he developed (along with his predicesor, John B. Smith) formed the basis of action at this time. Yet, a new chemical DDT was thought by some to be the answer to mosquito control; others were not so sure and worried about how it affected the environment.

Pete wanted to inform the residents about the disease. It was known to be carried by an infected mosquito, but what kind? Where did it live? Who was in charge of getting rid of mosquitoes; how were they going to reduce the number of mosquitoes, and what was the impact on public health?

Each team was asked to answer the main question about malaria and mosquitoes, and then to focus on questions specifically designed for their team.

The main question for all teams to answer, provides the background needed to understand some of the problem. After reading your task assignments, you can move to the resources page to begin finding answers.