Two German airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane

Two airport workers in Frankfurt have died from malaria contracted by mosquitoes believed to have arrived on aircraft from malaria-endemic regions. The first death occurred in early July, with the second in August. A total of six workers have been infected with the dangerous form of the disease. Four others are now recovering. The malaria outbreak was initially confirmed by the Robert Koch Institute in mid-July.

The mosquitoes are thought to have been transported on a plane from an area with malaria. Fraport, the airport operator, has set up mosquito traps and caught mosquitoes, which are being analyzed in a lab. The risk to the Frankfurt population is considered negligible. Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes, potentially leading to coma and death.

Airport malaria, a rare occurrence, typically happens when an infected mosquito is brought onto a plane or into an airport. Doctors treating airport workers should consider airport malaria as a possible diagnosis in cases of unexplained fever with no travel history.