A worker at Frankfurt Airport has died and five others hospitalised due to infection from an anopheles mosquito bite.

The facility’s operator, Fraport, confirmed the death of the employee and five others receiving treatment in hospital after malaria infection in a statement on Wednesday.

“A total of six employees have contracted a form of malaria known as airport malaria in connection with their work at the airport,” the statement said. “Sadly, we must confirm that one employee has died as a result of the infection.

“We have provided comprehensive information to all employees and encourage them to consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms.”

It added, “Employees are also advised to inform their doctor that they work at the airport and that cases of airport malaria have been reported at Frankfurt Airport, to help ensure they receive appropriate medical examination and treatment.”

According to the German airport, mosquito traps have been deployed, and mosquitoes captured in the traps will be genetically analysed by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, to determine their species and origin.

The Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s agency for disease control and prevention, confirmed that the airport worker took ill between July 4 and 6, when mosquitoes arrived at the airport on a plane.

RKI said it was investigating cases of malaria reported at Frankfurt Airport, adding, “The lack of a travel history can lead to a delayed diagnosis. A delayed diagnosis increases the risk of a severe course of the disease.”