Two German airport workers die of malaria from plane mosquito

Two German airport workers have died from malaria contracted by a likely imported Anopheles mosquito, according to the city's health authority. Airline officials initially reported a single fatality, with six workers infected. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) identified the mosquito as the probable source, stating that the last major outbreak in Germany occurred in 2023.

The rarity of malaria means that delayed diagnosis can lead to severe symptoms, as it shares similarities with other illnesses. The affected workers are receiving treatment, and mosquito traps have been installed at the airport. Genetic tests will be conducted on mosquitoes caught at the facility by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium.

Malaria, caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, can cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, intense fever, and chills. The disease remains a significant global health issue, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as patients often recover completely when identified promptly.