Final answer:
Malaria was one of the Panama Canal's biggest challenges. The construction had to face significant obstacles due to the prevalence of malaria in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malaria was one of the Panama Canal's biggest challenges. It is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite that affects the red blood cells. The construction of the canal faced significant obstacles due to the prevalence of malaria in the region, and measures had to be taken to control the spread of the disease, such as fumigation and draining of swamps.
Learn more about Panama Canal and malaria