26.08.2026 22:11
Malaria was detected in 6 people working at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. After 2 employees died from 'Malaria tropica', one of the most dangerous types of malaria, the airport was put on alert. Authorities are considering the possibility that the disease may have been transmitted through an infected mosquito.
Two people working at Frankfurt Airport in Germany have died from malaria. While a total of 6 employees at the airport were found to have contracted "Malaria tropica," one of the most dangerous types of malaria, officials are considering that the disease may have been transmitted by an infected mosquito that arrived in Germany by plane from a region where malaria is prevalent.
6 EMPLOYEES CONTRACTED MALARIA
According to the statement from the Frankfurt Health Department, malaria was detected in 6 people working at the airport. The first death occurred at the beginning of July, but the cause of death was determined later. The second employee died in August. It was reported that the other 4 employees are in good health after their treatments.
It was stated that none of the affected employees had traveled to countries where malaria is common. Therefore, the cases are thought to be linked to a rare form of transmission called "airport malaria."
INFECTED MOSQUITO MAY HAVE ARRIVED BY PLANE
German officials assess that the source of the disease is likely an infected Anopheles mosquito that was transported to Frankfurt by plane from a region where malaria is prevalent.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) states that the mosquito may have arrived in Germany in the cargo or baggage hold of an aircraft. It is considered that the infected mosquito may have bitten employees at or near the airport.
MOSQUITO TRAPS SET UP AT THE AIRPORT
Mosquito traps were placed at Frankfurt Airport to identify the possible source of transmission. It was reported that the captured mosquitoes will be examined in a laboratory environment, and their species and possible origins will be investigated.
"NO RISK OF HUMAN-TO-HUMAN TRANSMISSION"
Peter Tinnemann, Director of the Frankfurt Health Department, said that after the cases, the disease is not expected to spread from person to person. Officials assess that the risk to the public in Frankfurt is very low at this stage.
The RKI also states that airport malaria is an extremely rare form of transmission. It was reported that the previous documented case of airport malaria in Germany also occurred at Frankfurt Airport in 2023.
ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS TYPES OF MALARIA
The cases are stated to be linked to malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, also known as Malaria tropica. This type is considered one of the most dangerous forms of malaria because it can be severe and fatal if untreated.