Two Frankfurt Airport workers die after mysterious malaria outbreak
Two workers at Frankfurt Airport in Germany have died after contracting malaria in a rare outbreak believed to have been caused by mosquitoes arriving at the airport on a plane.
Six male airport employees working in different roles and areas of the airport were infected, with the first cases detected in July. German health authorities are now investigating how the infections occurred.
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Officials have installed mosquito traps around the airport, while captured insects are being examined to establish their species and possible origin.
Officials investigate source of malaria infections
The Frankfurt Public Health Department is analysing blood samples from the affected workers to determine whether the infections were caused by a single mosquito or several mosquitoes.
A spokesperson for airport operator Fraport said, “We have provided comprehensive information to all employees and encourage them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms.”
The Robert Koch Institute previously reported that four workers became ill between 4 and 6 July and said the mosquitoes were believed to have been brought into Germany on a plane.
Health officials reassure Frankfurt residents
Despite the deaths, authorities said the risk to people living in Frankfurt remains extremely low.
The Frankfurt public health officials said, “For the population of Frankfurt, the risk is considered very, very low. The disease is not transmissible from person to person but is always transmitted by mosquitoes.”
Malaria is caused by a parasite and is mainly associated with tropical regions. Cases acquired within Germany are extremely rare, with Frankfurt Airport recording the country’s last reported airport malaria case in 2023.
Laboratory testing to determine the precise source of the current infections could take several weeks.