> It very glaringly points to some failure in the healthcare system.

Does it? "Have you been near the equator recently?" is a rather common question that GPs ask when you go see them with high fever. Doctors in Germany are absolutely aware of malaria, given how much we like to travel to all those beautiful, but unfortunately malaria-ridden countries.

The only thing, of course, is: That question wouldn't have helped here. However, this[0] source says airport staff are made aware of the possibility of contracting malaria and are told to watch out for symptoms.

[0]: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/hessen/malaria-am-...

The irony is that Germany used to be a malaria ridden country.