Evidence-to-Action in Infectious Disease Preparedness

The research group aims to advance evidence-informed preparedness for emerging infectious diseases by bridging the gap between surveillance, behavioural insights, and public health implementation in low-prevalence settings.

The working group focuses on the surveillance, prevention, and control of vector-borne and other emerging infectious diseases in temperate regions. It integrates a One Health approach, combining human, animal, vector, and environmental data to enable early detection of emerging infections, including arboviral infections and zoonotic respiratory diseases such as avian and seasonal influenza. A key priority is translating epidemiological evidence into public health practice through implementation science, with a focus on the feasibility and sustainability of prevention strategies in low-incidence settings. The group also investigates behavioural and societal dimensions, including knowledge, risk perception, and health literacy among healthcare professionals and communities. In addition, it addresses risk communication, governance, and equity in preparedness, as well as the economic impact and cost-effectiveness of interventions, contributing to evidence-based global health strategies.

Surveillance of vector-borne and other emerging infectious diseases in temperate regions
Preparedness and implementation of prevention and control strategies
Behavioural and societal dimensions of infectious disease prevention
Risk communication and translation into public health practice
Governance and equity in infectious disease preparedness
Health economics and impact assessment

Dressler, A., Wagner-Wiening, C., & Brockmann, S. O. Knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to mosquito control and arboviral risk among public health authorities in Germany. BMC Public Health. (in review)
Dressler, A., Wagner-Wiening, C., Tegtmeyer, B., Haag-Milz, S., Demattio, B., Dürrwald, R., Harder, T., Salditt, A., & Köster, J. (2026). Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in poultry and domestic cats and occupational exposure among veterinary and other first responders, Germany, February 2026. Eurosurveillance, 31(17), 2600293. https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.17.2600293
Dressler, A., Wagner-Wiening, C., & Brockmann, S. O. (2026). Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding mosquito-borne arboviral diseases among physicians in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based analysis. Public Health in Practice, 11, 100776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2026.100776
Dressler, A., Finci, I., Wagner-Wiening, C., Eichner, M., & Brockmann, S. O. (2021). Epidemiological analysis of 3,219 COVID-19 outbreaks in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Epidemiology & Infection, 149, e101. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268821000911

PREVSTEK Project

The PREVSTEK project was initiated at the State Health Office, Baden-Württemberg (LGA) in 2024, comprising two complementary studies aimed at assessing preparedness for mosquito-borne arboviral infections (MBAI) in Germany. These studies provide complementary insights into clinical and public health preparedness for emerging arboviral infections in Germany.

Knowledge, Risk Perceptions and Practices Regarding Mosquito-borne Arboviral Diseases among physicians in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Analysis. Mosquito-borne arboviral infections (MBAI), including dengue and chikungunya virus-es transmitted primarily by Aedes species and West Nile virus (WNV), transmitted mainly by Culex species, are increasingly reported in Europe. For Aedes-associated arboviruses, climate change and globalization contribute to the spread and establishment of competent vectors, while for WNV, climatic factors such as temperature and host–vector dynamics may enhance transmission in areas wherethe virus is already present. Physicians play a key role in early recognition and prevention of MBAI, yet data on their knowledge, risk perceptions, and practices (KPP) in non-endemic settings remain limited. A 44-item questionnaire was developed to assess KPP related to arboviral infections. We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May to October, 2024 using EU-Survey an opensource web-based tool, among all general practitioners, internists and pediatricians registered with the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Baden-Wuerttemberg (KVBW).
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Arboviral Infections among Public Health Professionals: Implications for Workforce Preparedness in Germany Strengthening knowledge and expertise on MBAI within the public health system is essential for preparedness and response. This study assessed knowledge, risk perception, and practices related to MBAI among local Public Health Offices (PHOs) across 10 federal states in Germany. A 43-item questionnaire was developed to assess KAP (knowledge, attitudes/perceptions, and practices) related to arboviral infections. The survey was distributed to 212 local PHOs (one per office) using EUSurvey, an open-source web-based tool. Data were collected between January 18 and August 31, 2024.

Community-based training Project

Community-based training in Korntal, Germany for the prevention and control of Aedes albopictus: A feasibility study

The feasibility of a community-based training intervention in a town in Baden-Wuerttemberg affected by Aedes albopictus (AA), where residents report significant nuisance, was assessed. The overarching aim was to investigate whether this approach could serve as a model for state-wide implementation. The study was conducted by the State Health Office, Baden-Württemberg (LGA) and the Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage (KABs e.V.) between April and December 2024. Comparable intervention and control areas were defined. Both areas had access to informational materials on mosquito control, as well as to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) tablets, which were available free of charge. In April, participants in the intervention area (intervention group (IG)).

Acute respiratory infections surveillance Project

Respiratory co-infections in a statewide acute respiratory infections (ARI) surveillance programme in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

This analysis is based on data from an ongoing, statewide, laboratory-based acute respiratory infection (ARI) surveillance programme conducted by the LGA, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Established in November 2022, this continuous surveillance system at the LGA collects respiratory specimens from patients presenting with ARI symptoms through a network of sentinel general practitioner and paediatric practices. Trained clinical staff collect nasal and/or throat swabs, which are analysed at the LGA laboratory using a multiplex PCR panel. This panel detects a broad range of viral (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses) and bacterial (Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae) respiratory pathogens. Demographic, symptom, and vaccination data are recorded using a questionnaire. Informed consent is obtained from all participants. Ethics approval for the surveillance programme was granted to the LGA. The present analysis assesses the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with co-infections detected within the surveillance sample, using data generated by this surveillance programme.