Two airport workers in Germany die after contracting malaria
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- Two workers at Frankfurt Airport in Germany died after contracting airport malaria, believed to be spread by a mosquito brought in via an aircraft, with a total of six employees infected.
- Airport malaria is a rare transmission form where a mosquito from a malaria-endemic country survives a flight and transmits the disease near the airport, complicating diagnosis due to its rarity.
- The Robert Koch Institute reported the outbreak occurred between July 4 and July 6, with investigations ongoing and preventive measures including mosquito traps installed at the airport.
- Fraport, the airport operator, has advised employees to inform doctors about their work location to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in malaria cases.
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest passenger hub and Lufthansa’s main base, had its last airport malaria case in 2023, highlighting the ongoing risk despite its rarity.
