Gefährliche Tropenkrankheit: Zwei Tote durch Malaria am Frankfurter Flughafen

Two employees at Frankfurt Airport have died from malaria, according to the city's health department. The first fatality occurred in early July, with the cause only confirmed after their death. The second death was reported on August 14 by airport operator Fraport. Both infections are believed to have come from mosquitoes originating from a malaria region who may have traveled on a plane to Germany.

The Frankfurt health department confirmed that six employees were affected and contracted malaria tropica, the most dangerous form of the disease. Four others have since recovered and been treated. The risk to the general Frankfurt population is deemed negligible. Initially, the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI) confirmed an outbreak of four malaria cases among airport employees between July 4 and 6, 2026.

The institute believes the infections were transmitted by an infected mosquito carried on a plane. The airport's health department spokesman, Peter Tinnemann, stated that the mosquito is likely already dead and that the chance of human-to-human transmission is not a concern. The Frankfurt health department director emphasized that the risk to the public is minimal.

Malaria is a life-threatening illness transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly dangerous for at-risk groups. It can lead to coma and death. Protection against mosquito bites and preventive medication can prevent the disease. The RKI notes that "very rare" airport malaria occurs when an infectious mosquito is imported in a plane or luggage, and the infection occurs in the aircraft, airport, or its immediate surroundings.

The last such case was documented at Frankfurt Airport in 2023. Physicians treating employees working at airports with international flights or in close proximity to them should consider rare airport malaria, especially during summer, with unclear fever and no travel history. The Frankfurt health department's Regina Ellwanger Berry stressed that airport malaria is so rare it does not fall within the usual differential diagnoses for individuals without travel history. Malaria is treatable if diagnosed promptly.