Three people have sadly died after a malaria outbreak has been linked to an infected mosquito that was transported on board an aircraft through Frankfurt Airport (FRA). This resulted in several people being hospitalized after the tropical disease infected even those who had not traveled through Germany’s busiest airport. It remains unclear where the flights originated.

The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is not possible for this to spread from person to person. All individuals have become infected, even though they had not travelled to the region or even been at the airport.

One Died Just Miles From Frankfurt Airport

Credit: | Shutterstock

A resident of Schwanheim, just north of the airport, died recently, even though the person had not traveled to a region where malaria is endemic. All individuals had become infected with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This uncommon occurrence is labeled as airport malaria, and can happen when the mosquito has flown onto the aircraft or been inside luggage and then transported to another region.

The mosquito then has made its way off the aircraft and bitten someone. Frankfurt airport has placed traps around the terminals in a bid to contain the malaria outbreak, and the country’s public health and disease control agency has confirmed that in July this year some airport workers became ill after also contracting malaria.

Frankfurt Airport operator, Fraport, has confirmed that since July, a total of six employees have contracted the disease, and two have died, according to the BBC. Frankfurt is one of the busiest airports in Europe, and serves as a hub for Lufthansa, Condor and AeroLogic. Airport details below per ADV Aero:

Third Death Recorded From Malaria Outbreak

Credit: | Shutterstock

This extremely rare occurrence has seen a total of three people die: two airport workers and a resident just north of the airport, in addition to four more airport workers who have become unwell from the infection and have since recovered. Mosquitos that have been caught in traps located at Frankfurt airport have been sent to a laboratory in Belgium for testing.

News outlet DW has explained that it is far more common for travelers to become unwell after being stung by a mosquito while abroad, and then being unknowingly affected before returning to Germany on a flight. In these instances, it is clear that the mosquito has been a stowaway onboard and trapped in suitcases or clothing. The mosquito would only have been able to survive in warmer areas of the airport or belongings where it was stowed.

The cases in Frankfurt involve malaria tropica, which is considered the most dangerous form of malaria. The mosquito has bitten a human, and then the pathogens pass to a human and attack the red blood cells.

What To Do If You Think Insects Have Traveled In Your Luggage

Credit: | Shutterstock

If you are concerned that insects such as mosquitoes have returned in your airline luggage, it is important to isolate the bag immediately outside and treat all contents with high heat. You should move your suitcase to non-carpeted areas, like the garage or outdoors, and do not unpack your bag inside.

According to Fox Pest Control, all clothing and fabrics should be washed thoroughly in the washing machine on a high heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure you can kill all bugs or eggs. Vacuum the inside and outside of your baggage thoroughly, including paying close attention to seams, pockets, or other zippers. Empty or seal vacuum bags in a snaplock bag afterward and throw away in the garbage.

If possible, you should use a garment steamer to roll along all fabric edges of your bags for up to 60 seconds, or leave your bag in an open area in direct sunlight, or in a hot parked car for several hours to ensure that the bugs have been killed. Depending on the location where you are traveling to or from, you may need to report a biosecurity threat depending on the insect that you have located.