Urgent warning issued after infectious disease outbreak at European airport

An urgent warning has been issued after four baggage handlers contracted malaria after suspected mosquito bites. The infections are believed to have come from a single mosquito that travelled undetected on an aircraft, although the origin of the outbreak has not been identified.

The phenomenon, known as “airport malaria”, affects people who have not travelled to countries where the disease is endemic.

As reported by GB News, the malaria cases at Frankfurt Airport were identified on Thursday, July 16, with the infections reportedly occurring in the days before.

Airport staff have been warned that they must monitor their health and report high temperatures and fever symptoms to health authorities immediately, and to specifically mention “airport malaria” when going for treatment.

Malaria is caused by parasites in mosquito bites and can cause headaches, chills, and a fever. If left untreated it can be fatal and the World Health Organisation reports that it caused about 600,000 deaths in 2024.

The cases come just days after the Express reported a salmonella outbreak had hit a popular Brit tourist hotspot.

More than two dozen people sought treatment in central Greece, reportedly due to a suspected contaminated food batch in Lamia.

Meanwhile the UK Health Security Agency has issued advice to Brits after data showed that Zika virus cases imported into the UK in 2026 are already higher than 2025 numbers.

Between January and June this year eight infections were recorded, with half reportedly originating from Indonesia.

The agency says diseases transmitted by mosquitos, including Zika and dengue fever, can cause serious health problems.

People travelling are being urged to use insect repellent, use bed nets where appropriate and possible, and to dress in long-sleeved clothing and trousers.