Two German airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane

Two German airport workers have tragically died from malaria contracted by a mosquito believed to have arrived on a plane, according to the city's health authority. Initially, it was reported that one employee had succumbed to the illness, with six others infected. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) stated that an imported Anopheles mosquito, carried over by an aircraft, is the most likely culprit. The remaining four infected employees are receiving hospital treatment, the airport spokesman confirmed.

Germany has not seen an outbreak of airport-based malaria since 2023, making timely diagnosis challenging and potentially exacerbating the severity of symptoms. The rarity of the condition means that its diagnosis can be delayed, increasing the risk of severe symptoms. The five remaining employees are currently being treated, and mosquito traps have been installed at the airport to prevent further instances.

The mosquitoes collected will be sent to the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, for genetic analysis to gain a better understanding of their origin. Malaria, caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, headache, and intense waves of fever and chills. The disease is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. While treatments are available, early detection is crucial for a full recovery.