Mosquito-borne infectious diseases are becoming increasingly relevant in Europe as well (ECDC, 2025). Due to climatic changes, the spread of invasive mosquito species and changing environmental conditions, diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile fever, and infections with Zika or chikungunya viruses are increasingly moving into the focus of public health (AGES, 2026). This raises not only epidemiological questions, but also questions related to risk perception, health communication, prevention and public health resilience.
This is where the research project “Fight the Bite” comes in. The dissertation project by Amelie Sigge examines how people in Austria perceive mosquito-borne infectious diseases, which protective measures are known, and which factors facilitate or hinder prevention in everyday life. The aim is to identify knowledge and prevention gaps and to develop evidence-based starting points for resilient public health practice in Austria.
The dissertation project is based at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich within the PhD program Medical Research in Public Health and Epidemiology and is also anchored at the Center for Social & Health Innovation (CSHI) at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®.
Methodologically, the research project “Fight the Bite” follows a mixed-methods approach. In a first qualitative study, vignette-based interviews are conducted with people living in Austria. In addition, an Austria-wide quantitative survey is planned, which is expected to begin in September 2026. Finally, a Delphi study with experts and stakeholders is planned in order to bring together individual and structural perspectives on prevention and public health resilience. The project is currently making very good progress and is now entering an important next phase with the ongoing interview study.
Currently, interview participants are being recruited for this qualitative study component. Eligible participants are people who are at least 18 years old and live in Austria. Knowledge or prior experience with mosquito-borne infectious diseases is not required. The interviews last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and can be conducted online or in person. Appointments can be arranged individually. Afterwards, participants receive a concise information flyer on mosquito-borne infectious diseases and possible protective measures in Austria.
By taking part, interview participants make an important contribution to public health research and to the further development of prevention and crisis preparedness in Austria.
Perhaps you would like to participate in the study yourself, know someone who might be eligible for an interview, or could share the invitation within your network.
Every form of support is very helpful in including diverse perspectives in the study and generating practice-relevant insights for prevention and public health in Austria.
You are warmly invited to share the invitation flyer with anyone who may be interested in participating. If you have any questions or wish to participate, please contact us at: amelie.sigge@mci.edu
The research team sincerely thanks you for your support!
******
References
AGES. (2026). Information about mosquitoes & diseases. Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit. https://www.ages.at/en/human/disease/info-about-mosquitoes-diseases
ECDC. (2025). Aedes invasive mosquitoes - current known distribution: June 2025. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/aedes-invasive-mosquitoes-current-known-distribution-june-2025
Invitation leaflet for interview participation on the prevention of mosquito-borne infectious diseases among Austrian residents © Sigge
Discover the program that suits you.