Two workers at Frankfurt Airport have died from malaria after being infected by mosquitoes believed to have arrived in Germany on aircraft from malaria-endemic regions, according to airport operator Fraport and city health authorities.
The first death occurred in early July 2026, with the cause confirmed only post-mortem, while the second death took place in August 2026. In total, six airport workers were infected with malaria tropica, the most dangerous form of the disease. The other four infected individuals have been treated and are recovering well.
In mid-July 2026, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) confirmed an outbreak of four malaria cases among airport workers. The RKI's Epidemiological Bulletin noted that the affected individuals fell ill between July 4 and 6, 2026, and it is assumed the infections were transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes imported by aircraft. The Anopheles mosquito is also known as the nail or marsh mosquito.
This incident highlights the potential health risks posed by disease vectors transported via international air travel.
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