Two German airport workers die of malaria after 'mosquito arrives on plane'
Two workers at Frankfurt Airport have died following a rare malaria outbreak that infected six employees. Health officials believe the mosquitoes were transported to the airport via an aircraft, though the risk to the general public remains very low.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the potential for global travel to facilitate the spread of tropical diseases in non-endemic regions.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Frankfurt is Germany's busiest airport
Two Frankfurt Airport workers have died of malaria after a rare outbreak led to six employees contracting the serious infection spread by mosquitoes.
It is believed the mosquitoes arrived at Germany's busiest airport on a plane, according to German public health officials, triggering an outbreak which was first detected in July.
A spokesperson for airport operator Fraport told the BBC an employee had died as a result of the infection, while public health officials said later on Wednesday that two of the affected individuals had died.
Traps have been installed at the airport and mosquitoes captured will be analysed in a laboratory to determine their species and origin.
"We have provided comprehensive information to all employees and encourage them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms," the Fraport spokesperson told the BBC.
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