We built PHN-Map, an open-data Web-based GIS with geo-linked 360° images to support 15 000 public health nurses (PHNs) during the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and subsequent floods. The map improved pre-deployment triage, home-visit routing and training, logging >300 uses on launch day, proving GIS and 360° imagery useful for PHN disaster activities.

The World Health Organization requires States Parties to report significant public health events through National Focal Points (NFPs). However, the nature and adjudication of events reported to NFPs is not well known outside of government. We summarized a sample of Australian NFP event information during 2014–2023 by year, hazard, origin and whether other NFPs were notified.

Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the benefits of using SaTScan (Boston, MA, USA), a cluster-detection software programme, and whole genome sequencing to investigate a suspected outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections in a tertiary government hospital in the southern Philippines. The hospital is part of the national Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program’s network of sentinel sites. Methods: The investigation followed national outbreak investigation protocols. In May 2022, when evaluation of daily hospital laboratory census data revealed an increase in the number of Serratia species in the hospital, an alert was triggered. A concurrent, routine SaTScan analysis of the hospital’s surveillance data by the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Reference Laboratory confirmed a cluster of cases. The Reference Laboratory requested isolates from clinical specimens from the hospital for confirmation of bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing. Results: Six isolates were submitted for genomic analysis, two of which were from the identified cluster. Although originally identified as S. marcescens, five of the isolates were subsequently confirmed as S. sarumanii. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the two isolates from the cluster were closely related and belonged to the same clade, which may suggest a common source. Three antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, but their phenotypic expression was limited, with one isolate exhibiting resistance mechanisms. Discussion: This study highlighted the utility of SaTScan for the early detection of potential disease outbreaks. The use of whole genome sequencing enhanced the investigation by enabling the analysis of potential transmission pathways at the genetic level, identification of the outbreak source and the detection of novel species.

Objective: On 27 June 2023, the Thailand Department of Disease Control was notified of an incident of carbon monoxide poisoning related to a Thai-style hotpot restaurant. An outbreak investigation was performed to describe the incident, confirm its cause and sources of exposure, and provide preventive measures. Methods: The restaurant owner, restaurant guests and waiting staff were interviewed, and the medical records of hospitalized cases were reviewed. In an environmental survey, air quality parameters were measured, including temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Additionally, a simulation of the incident was conducted, and data were reviewed from previous poisoning incidents in Thailand. Results: There were 11 cases, all of whom were guests who dined in the same private dining room. The median age of cases was 28 years (range 2–62 years). Three cases were hospitalized and received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The air changes in the dining rooms were below the recommended level. The incomplete combustion of charcoal in a poorly ventilated room led to carbon monoxide build-up, which caused the incident. The simulation experiment showed a high concentration of carbon monoxide (mean 183.16 ± 55.15 parts per million), above the standard level. Ten similar poisoning incidents occurred between 2019 and June 2023, totalling 23 cases and 2 deaths; none occurred in a restaurant. Discussion: Charcoal use in poorly ventilated areas poses a health risk, especially for children. The use of charcoal stoves for hotpot cooking indoors is prohibited. Public health policy should mandate regular restaurant inspections to ensure compliance with occupational and environmental health standards.

Objective: To investigate COVID-19 mortality in Philippine provinces from 2020 to 2023. Methods: Crude mortality rate (CMR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-specific mortality rate were computed for 84 areas (82 provinces and 2 cities) using COVID-19 surveillance data from the Philippine Department of Health, which captured data about confirmed deaths occurring between 20 January 2020 and 9 May 2023. Provinces were ranked by their ASMR. A correlation analysis was conducted to identify possible predictors of COVID-19 mortality. Among the factors investigated were the incidence of poverty, population density, proportion of the population considered elderly (aged >=65 years), hospital bed density and COVID-19 testing rates. Results: Eight of the 10 provinces that had the highest COVID-19 ASMRs were located in the Luzon island group. The province with the highest ASMR was Benguet in Northern Luzon (207.83 deaths/100 000 population), and the lowest rate was in Tawi-Tawi in Southwestern Mindanao (2.22 deaths/100 000 population). The incidence of poverty was negatively correlated with COVID-19 mortality, while hospital bed density and COVID-19 testing rates were positively correlated with CMRs and ASMRs. Discussion: This analysis provides a starting point for investigating COVID-19 mortality in Philippine provinces. The ranking of provinces by their ASMR is useful for directing future epidemiological investigations and, coupled with the results of the correlation analysis, provides insight into the factors that may have impacted COVID-19 mortality in the Philippines. Our analysis suggests that COVID-19 mortality patterns can partly be explained by the streetlight effect and factors linked to the availability of and access to health care.

Objective: To determine the causative agent, clinical manifestations and risk factors for infection during a September 2023 outbreak of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in Pak Touch village, Ratanakiri province, Cambodia. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Cases were age-matched to controls (1:1), who were randomly selected from the village population. Twenty-one conjunctival samples were analysed using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). RNA sequencing was additionally performed to identify the causative agent of the outbreak. Logistic regression models were used to identify significant risk factors. Results: A total of 73 cases and 73 controls were included in the analysis. Cases had a median age of 20 years (range: 1–70, mean and standard deviation: 27.7 ± 20.0), and 46.6% (34/73) were male. The overall attack rate was 12.3% (73 cases/594 residents). Clinical presentations included conjunctival hyperaemia (100%), subconjunctival haemorrhage (82.2%, 60), pain and discharge (64.4%, 47 each), eyelid swelling (57.5%, 42) and tearing (54.8%, 40). RT–PCR identified enterovirus in 52.4% (11/21) of conjunctival swabs, with RNA sequencing confirming the coxsackievirus A24 variant as the causative agent in five swabs. Statistical analysis identified significant risk factors, including physical contact with patients with acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.90–10.10), frequent eye rubbing (aOR: 4.56, 95% CI: 2.00–10.37) and poor hand hygiene (aOR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.64–8.43). Discussion: The outbreak of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Pak Touch village was primarily caused by coxsackievirus A24. Significant risk factors included physical contact with infected individuals, frequent eye rubbing and poor hand hygiene. Effective hygiene measures are crucial to prevent the spread of AHC.

Many countries record high rates of fireworks-related injuries, especially during national celebrations. In the Philippines, increases in the number of injuries reported around the New Year period in recent years have highlighted the importance of continued strengthening of national fireworks-related injury surveillance. The Philippines’ regional epidemiology and surveillance units play a significant role in surveillance by linking its key stakeholders, the sentinel hospitals and the Department of Health’s Central Office. More specifically, these units promote compliance with reporting standards among sentinel hospitals and support case data validation. Approximately half of the sentinel hospitals that contribute data to the surveillance system are in the nation’s capital, Metro Manila. This concentrated coverage prompted the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit staff in Metro Manila to implement low-cost, digital strategies to improve the quality and timeliness of fireworks-related injury reporting. During the 2023–2024 surveillance period (21 December to 5 January), the use of virtual coordination spaces and data dashboards contributed to reducing turnaround times for generating surveillance reports from 31 minutes to 8 minutes. Moreover, at least 80% of sentinel hospitals provided timely reports on 11 of the 16 days of the surveillance period. Staff commitment was a major contributing factor in overcoming the time and human resource constraints encountered during implementation of these strategies. However, it is important to recognize that beyond these digital innovations, policy reforms that increase funding are needed to enhance fireworks-related injury surveillance and secure its long-term sustainability and scalability in the Philippines.

The initiative to establish a systematic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) scheme for Indonesia’s Early Warning Alert and Response System began in 2024, with the development of guidelines and online tools through pilot activities. This can contribute to capacity-building in other countries, providing practical insights for structuring surveillance M&E systems.

Digital transformation is reshaping disease monitoring. We assessed the real-world utility of linking hospital information systems with the foodborne disease surveillance network in Shenzhen. Analysing data from 53 sentinel hospitals (2024–2025) and surveying 263 staff members, we found that integration triggered a 125% surge in case reports. However, regional performance varied sharply (Nanshan +161% vs Pingshan -44%), and personnel training frequency remained low (3.08/5). While automation solves the volume problem, it exposes a technology capacity gap that requires urgent human-centric intervention.

Problem: Papua New Guinea has hosted several mass gatherings in recent years. Yet, there is limited data on the involvement of emergency medical teams in these events, let alone in other low- and middle-income countries. Prior to Pope Francis’s state visit in September 2024, the national emergency medical team (EMT) had not simulated its updated clinical patient flow systems. Context: During Pope Francis's visit, an estimated 70 000 attendees gathered at the national stadium. Using Arbon’s mass gathering model, the patient presentation rate was calculated to be 330 over 2 days, or 4.7 per 1000, posing a significant challenge to local health-care capacity. Action: The National Department of Health mobilized its EMT to lead clinical operations in collaboration with the National St. John Ambulance service. Planning spanned 6 weeks and involved provincial partners. Outcome: Over 2 days, 257 patients, or 3.7 per 1000, were managed using a hub-and-spoke model. First-aid stations operated by the St. John Ambulance service treated 200 patients for dehydration and headaches, while the Advanced Casualty Management Centre handled 57 cases of heat-related illnesses and chronic condition exacerbations. Discussion: The deployment of the EMT showcased its capability and credibility, setting a national milestone and providing a feasible model for mass-gathering preparedness and response in low- and middle-income countries in the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region. This report highlights not only the importance of multipartner collaboration in such preparedness, providing baseline data for low-resource settings, but also the scalability of rehabilitation services and the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool as frameworks for future deployments.