2 airport workers dead after malaria cases alarm officials at major travel hub
Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany. Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Two Frankfurt Airport employees have died after several workers contracted a rare form of malaria believed to have been spread by mosquitoes at the major German travel hub.
What they're saying:
Fraport, the company that operates Frankfurt Airport, said six employees developed "airport malaria" in connection with their work at the airport. The Frankfurt Health Department recently confirmed that two of the infected workers died.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues, and our thoughts are with their families and friends," Fraport said.
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The four other employees have since recovered, the company said. Fraport added that its departments are closely watching the situation.
Dig deeper:
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by a parasite that is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, and the illness can become severe or fatal without prompt diagnosis and treatment.
"We have provided comprehensive information to all employees and encourage them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms," Fraport said.
The company said workers were told to inform doctors that they work at the airport and that airport malaria cases have been identified there, which could help guide testing and treatment.
Fraport has also placed mosquito traps throughout the airport. Mosquitoes collected from the traps will be genetically tested by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, to identify their species and possible origin.
Big picture view:
The cases come after airports in parts of Asia increased health precautions earlier this year following an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India. Nipah can spread between animals and people and may cause illnesses ranging from fever to brain inflammation and death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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Thailand responded by adding monitoring and screening procedures at international travel checkpoints, according to the country’s Department of Disease Control. Travelers with high fevers or Nipah-related symptoms could face further screening and be asked about their travel history, potential exposure and when symptoms began.
Health officials also issued guidance aimed at lowering infection risks, including precautions involving food, water and contact with sick or dead animals.
The Source: FOX News contributed to this report. Information for this story came from statements by Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, and updates from the Frankfurt Health Department.