Third malaria death in Germany from outbreak tied to Frankfurt Airport

The city of Frankfurt am Main has issued a warning due to two deaths caused by malaria. Since July, six people have fallen ill with the tropical disease, two of which were fatal. The new cases involve residents from the Schwanheim district, located near the airport. Public health authorities are investigating a possible link between these infections and airport employees.

Malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes from endemic areas, can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. Symptoms often resemble flu or a common cold, making early detection crucial. Common signs include fever, shivering, headaches, limb pain, and gastrointestinal issues. While not all types of malaria are fatal, the most dangerous form, malaria tropica, can be deadly without prompt treatment.

The illness is not contagious between people but requires the bite of an infected mosquito. When not acquired in endemic areas, it's often referred to as "airport malaria" due to mosquitoes carried along on flights. Airport malaria has been rare in Germany, with more than 99 percent of malaria cases in Europe imported from endemic regions. From 1969 to early 2024, only 145 malaria cases in Europe were classified as airport malaria, mostly in France, Belgium, and Germany, primarily around international airports.

To prevent infection, protecting oneself from mosquito bites is recommended, using insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin, wearing long clothing, and using insect nets. Airport malaria in Europe is uncommon, with no recent cases in Germany outside of Frankfurt. The two newly infected residents from Schwanheim are currently hospitalized.