A worker at Frankfurt Airport has died from malaria following a rare outbreak that infected six employees, German public health officials reported on August 26, 2026. It is believed the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the disease arrived on a plane at Germany's busiest airport.

The Robert Koch Institute, a German federal agency for disease control, stated that four employees fell ill between July 4 and 6. The infected workers hold different jobs and work in various areas of the airport. Authorities are analyzing blood samples to determine whether the infections were caused by one mosquito or multiple mosquitoes.

The remaining five infected individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, according to a spokesperson for Fraport, the airport operator. Traps have been installed at the airport to capture mosquitoes, which will be analyzed in a laboratory to identify their species and origin.

"Sadly, we must confirm that one employee has died as a result of the infection," the Fraport spokesperson told the BBC. They added that comprehensive information has been provided to all employees, encouraging them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms.

The outbreak is under investigation by the Frankfurt Public Health Department. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that malaria is typically spread by certain types of mosquitoes biting humans and is mostly found in tropical countries. The lack of a travel history can delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of severe disease progression.

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