Frankfurt Airport worker dies of malaria aA worker at Frankfurt Airport in Germany has died of malaria after a rare outbreak left six employees infected with the serious mosquito-borne disease.
The outbreak at Germany’s busiest airport has raised concerns over the possible introduction of malaria-carrying mosquitoes by aircraft. German public health officials believe the mosquitoes responsible for the infections may have arrived at the airport on a plane.
Five other employees who contracted malaria are receiving medical treatment, according to Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport. “Sadly, we must confirm that one employee has died as a result of the infection,” a Fraport spokesperson told the BBC.
The spokesperson said the airport operator had taken steps to inform employees about the outbreak and urged those experiencing possible symptoms to seek medical attention.
“We have provided comprehensive information to all employees and encourage them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms,” the spokesperson said.
Authorities have installed mosquito traps at the airport as investigations continue into the source of the outbreak. Mosquitoes captured through the traps will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Experts will examine the insects to determine their species and establish their origin.
The investigation is expected to help public health officials determine how the malaria-carrying mosquitoes entered the airport and whether there is any continuing risk of transmission.
The outbreak was first reported in July, when four airport workers were known to have contracted malaria. The Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s federal government agency and research institute responsible for disease control and public health, previously said the four employees became ill between July 4 and July 6.
The institute said at the time that the mosquitoes were believed to have been brought into Germany by plane. Malaria is a serious infectious disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is not normally transmitted directly from one person to another.
The latest death brings renewed attention to the unusual circumstances surrounding the outbreak at Frankfurt Airport. Authorities are continuing to analyse mosquitoes captured at the airport as they seek to identify the species involved and establish where the insects originated.
Fraport said the five other infected employees remain under medical care. The airport operator has also urged workers to remain alert to possible symptoms and seek medical advice if they become unwell.
The incident comes as health authorities continue monitoring the rare occurrence of malaria infections linked to mosquitoes believed to have entered Germany through air travel.