Frankfurt Airport worker dies after malaria infection
An unusual cluster of malaria cases at Frankfurt Airport infected six employees, one fatally. It is thought to have been caused by a mosquito brought in on an aircraft.
Two Frankfurt Airport employees have died from malaria after being infected by mosquitos that were brought into Germany on an aircraft, according to health officials. The first death occurred in July and the cause of death was initially unclear. The second fatality occurred in August. Despite not traveling to malaria-risk countries, six employees contracted the disease, with four others recovering well.
Fraport, the airport operator, confirmed the latest death and expressed sympathy to the employee's family. The infections are part of a rare "airport malaria" outbreak, with the source being an infected mosquito imported on an aircraft. Malaria is a life-threatening disease primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, but can also occur when an infected mosquito is transported on an aircraft or in luggage.
The affected employees were diagnosed between July 4 and 6, and the disease can be prevented through mosquito bite protection and preventive medication. The Frankfurt health authority has installed mosquito traps and is conducting genetic analysis on captured mosquitoes to determine their species and origin.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Airport worker dies of malaria after mosquito arrives on plane peopledaily.digital
- Frankfurt Airport worker dies after malaria infection dw.com
- Frankfurt Airport malaria outbreak claims worker’s life as five others treated myjoyonline.com
- Frankfurt Airport employee dies after contracting malaria, operator Fraport says euronews.com
- Mosquito on a plane? Two Frankfurt airport workers die after catching malaria from suspected stowaway insect malaymail.com
