Three people have 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, so it cannot spread from person to person. All individuals have become infected, even though they had not traveled to the region or even been at the airport.
One Died Just Miles From Frankfurt Airport
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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 called airport malaria and can happen when a mosquito flies onto an aircraft or is inside luggage and isthen transported to another region.
The mosquito then has made its way off the aircraft and bitten someone. FRA 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.
FRA’s 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 Official Name
Flughafen Frankfurt Main
IATA Code
FRA
ICAO Code
EDDF
Operator
Fraport
Total Number Of Runways
4
Passengers (2025)
63 million
Third Death Recorded From Malaria Outbreak
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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.
According to DW, 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, the mosquito was clearly a stowaway onboard and trapped in suitcases or clothing. The mosquito could have survived only in warmer areas of the airport or in the belongings where it was stowed.
The cases in Frankfurt involve malaria tropica, which is considered the most dangerous form of malaria. The mosquito bites a human, and the pathogens pass to another person and attack red blood cells.
Related
2 Airport Workers Die Of Malaria After Mosquito Arrives On Flight: 4 Others Infected
Four employees were initially reported to have contracted the disease, with this figure later rising.
What To Do If You Think Insects Have Traveled In Your Luggage
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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. Move your suitcase to non-carpeted areas, like the garage or outdoors, and do not unpack it inside.
According to Fox Pest Control, wash all clothing and fabrics thoroughly in the washing machine on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill all bugs and eggs. Vacuum the inside and outside of your baggage thoroughly, paying close attention to seams, pockets, and zippers. Empty or seal vacuum bags in a snaplock bag afterward, then throw them away in the garbage.
If possible, 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 the bugs are killed. Depending on where you are traveling to or from, you may need to report a biosecurity threat, depending on the insect you found.