Malaria outbreak at Frankfurt airport kills two workers; officials urge calm

German health officials are working to reassure the public following the deaths of two workers at Frankfurt airport due to malaria tropica, the most severe form of the disease. Six individuals connected to the airport have contracted the illness since last month, with four others who were infected now out of danger after hospital treatment.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of how the workers contracted malaria. The leading theory suggests transmission by an Anopheles stephensi mosquito, a species known to carry the disease, which was likely imported via an aircraft. This phenomenon is known as 'airport malaria,' where mosquitoes from endemic regions are transported through air travel.

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The mosquito is probably already dead.

In response, mosquito traps have been installed throughout Frankfurt airport, and a monitoring process is in place. Health authorities have alerted airport workers via letters, detailing symptoms and urging vigilance. Doctors are also being advised to be watchful for patients presenting with unexplained fevers who work in or around the airport.

Peter Tinnemann, head of Frankfurt's health department, acknowledged the possibility of the mosquito already being deceased but noted that warmer temperatures in Germany could increase the survival period for such insects. He emphasized that the risk to the general population in Frankfurt remains low, cautioning against widespread panic based on non-specific symptoms. The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's disease control agency, is involved in the investigation, noting that Frankfurt previously experienced a single case of airport malaria in 2023.

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Not everyone should assume that just because they have a headache, fever and nonspecific symptoms they are now infected with malaria because of the case at the airport.