A third person has died from malaria in Frankfurt following a rare cluster of infections linked to mosquitoes believed to have arrived through Frankfurt Airport.
The latest victim was one of two residents of the Schwanheim district, near the airport, who were diagnosed with malaria earlier this week. Neither person had travelled to a malaria-endemic region or worked at the airport, according to Frankfurt health authorities.
Both patients were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most severe form of malaria. Health officials believe an infected mosquito may have been transported into Germany on an aircraft or in luggage before travelling several kilometres from the airport and infecting residents.
The two new cases were reported in homes about five kilometres from Frankfurt Airport. Germany’s Robert Koch Institute has said malaria-carrying mosquitoes can travel between five and 10 kilometres, supporting the possibility of an airport-related transmission.
The latest death follows two deaths among airport workers earlier this summer. Six employees of airport operator Fraport had previously contracted malaria, with two subsequently dying from the disease.
Authorities have described the situation as extremely rare. Malaria infections in Germany normally occur among people who have travelled to countries where the disease is endemic.
Mosquito traps have been placed at the airport, with captured insects being examined and genetically analysed to determine their species and possible origin. Results from laboratory testing are still pending.
Frankfurt health officials have urged doctors to consider malaria when treating patients with unexplained fever, particularly those who live or work near the airport. Residents and airport workers have also been advised to seek medical attention if they develop possible symptoms.
Authorities said no additional malaria cases had been reported in Frankfurt since the beginning of the week. Malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and cannot be spread directly from person to person.
