Microsoft chairman makes demonstration during discussion on malaria
While giving a presentation on malaria, Bill Gates opens a jar of mosquitoes at TED2009, a technology conference.

The event took place at the TED2009 (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference on Wednesday in California, where Microsoft chairman Bill Gates was delivering a presentation about malaria education and eradication. Malaria is transmitted from person to person via mosquito bites.

The mosquito incident was confirmed by the media office of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which also noted that the insects released were not carrying malaria.

The philanthropist has been pushing to reduce malaria deaths through the nonprofit. In September, Gates announced that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would provide $168.7 million to the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative to help develop a vaccine for the deadly disease.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites in the red blood cells. Millions are infected every year, according to WebMD.com, and up to one million cases result in death. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, chills, sweating and weakness.

The disease is still prevalent on continents such as Africa and Asia, which have tropical or subtropical climates. Malaria has been eradicated in most countries with temperate climates. There is currently no effective vaccine against malaria.

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