Abstract
In this issue we introduce a new article type – the outbreak investigation report – with our theme Outbreak investigations in the Western Pacific Region. This new article type allows for concise reports on outbreak investigations and expands the role of the Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal (WPSAR) as a regional information-sharing platform, as per the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED 2010) 1 in line with the International Health Regulation (2005). 2 Timely sharing of outbreak investigations may be useful in informing public health action across the Region. We received 11 outbreak investigation report submissions and one original research of an outbreak investigation from six countries and areas within the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region.
Highlights
In this issue we introduce a new article type – the outbreak investigation report – with our theme Outbreak investigations in the Western Pacific Region
The shortest time between submission and publication was 18 days, with the average being 44 days. Having this pool of supportive reviewers demonstrates the potential for future rapid publications, suggesting that Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal (WPSAR) can be used as a regional centre for information sharing of surveillance and response articles during major public health events, rather than relying on journals from outside the Region.[4]
A Campylobacter outbreak associated with the known risk factor of chicken liver pâté in Australia emphasizes the ongoing need for food handler education on dealing with high-risk foods.[6]
Summary
We publish the first risk assessment article in this issue, which followed the World Health Organization’s Rapid Risk Assessment of Acute Public Health Events.[3] We look forward to publishing more risk assessments as their documentation becomes more routinely established. To support the timely sharing of information within the Region, in this issue we trialled a rapid peer review process.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
