See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy SOPHIA STANFORD, NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:24 BST, 26 August 2026 | Updated: 14:27 BST, 26 August 2026
An airport worker has died in Germany after contracting malaria from a mosquito believed to have been trapped on a plane, with five other staff in hospital.Frankfurt Airport has set up traps around the building to try to understand the origin and species of mosquitoes in this rare outbreak.The Robert Koch Institute – a German federal government agency and research institute for disease control and public health – said an imported Anopheles mosquito carried over by an aircraft was the likely cause. The five other patients are currently receiving medical care for the 'form of malaria known as airport malaria', although in July it was reported there were four infected workers at Germany's busiest airport. The Robert Koch Institute said the employees contracted the disease between July 4 and 6.Airport malaria – also known as suitcase malaria or Odyssean malaria – is defined as when an infected mosquito becomes stuck on a plane or in luggage which then transports it to a malaria-free region and subsequently bites a person there. The rarity of the condition means diagnosis can be delayed, increasing the chances of severe symptoms. Airport operator Fraport said: 'A total of six employees have contracted a form of malaria known as airport malaria in connection with their work at the airport. An Frankfurt Airport worker has died in Germany after contracting malaria from a mosquito believed to have been trapped on a plane, with five other staff in hospital Traps have been set up around the building to try understand the origin and species of mosquitoes in this rare outbreak (Stock image of a mosquito bite)'Sadly, we must confirm that one employee has died as a result of the infection.'We have provided comprehensive information to all employees and encourage them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms.'A high temperature, sweats, chills and headaches, as well as tummy pain, a loss of appetite and muscle pains are all tell-tale signs of the disease. Fraport added: 'Employees are also advised to inform their doctor that they work at the airport and that cases of airport malaria have been reported at Frankfurt Airport, to help ensure they receive appropriate medical examination and treatment. 'In addition, mosquito traps have been installed at the airport. Mosquitoes captured in these traps will be genetically analyzed by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, to determine their species and origin.''We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts are with the employee's family and friends.' The Robert Koch Institute said that instances of airport malaria in Germany are rare – with the last known case at Frankfurt Airport from 2023 – and 'the lack of a travel history can lead to a delayed diagnosis'. 'A delayed diagnosis increases the risk of a severe course of the disease,' it added in its epidemiological bulletin.Malaria was eradicated in western Europe in the 1970s and since then almost all cases have been in travellers returning from countries where the bug is still rife. But in areas where the infection is prevalent, it is one of the world's biggest killers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.Treatments exist and patients caught early with the disease usually make a complete recovery. The Frankfurt Health Department are continuing to monitor the situation and Fraport said they remain in regular contact with the responsible authorities.
