Two airport workers in Germany have died of malaria in a rare outbreak that officials believe was caused by mosquitoes arriving on a plane at the country's busiest airport, with five other workers receiving treatment.
Key facts
- Two airport workers have died of malaria, according to the BBC.
- Five other airport workers are receiving treatment following the outbreak.
- The outbreak occurred at Germany's busiest airport.
- German public health officials believe the mosquitoes arrived on a plane, according to the BBC.
Two workers at Germany’s busiest airport have died of malaria in a rare outbreak, according to the BBC. Several other airport staff are also receiving treatment for the disease.
The BBC reported that five other airport workers were being treated following the outbreak. An earlier report indicated the initial death toll before it rose to two.
German public health officials believe the mosquitoes responsible for the infections arrived at the airport on a plane, according to the BBC.
Malaria is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Cases in which the disease appears near airports, without those affected having travelled to areas where malaria is common, are sometimes linked to mosquitoes carried into a country aboard aircraft.
The BBC described the situation as a rare outbreak. Beyond the reported deaths and the workers under treatment, further details about the individuals affected and the airport’s response had not been specified in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Malaria is rarely transmitted within countries like Germany, so an outbreak linked to mosquitoes carried on a plane is highly unusual and raises questions about disease risks tied to international air travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the German airport malaria outbreak?
According to the BBC, two airport workers have died of malaria in the outbreak.
How did the mosquitoes reach the airport?
German public health officials believe the mosquitoes arrived at Germany's busiest airport on a plane, according to the BBC.
How many other people are being treated?
The BBC reported that five other airport workers are receiving treatment following the outbreak.