On the move: the MOBVEC mobile lab showcases rapid outbreak response in Lisbon

The challenge: rapid response to disease vectors

Vector-borne diseases, like dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus, pose an increasing challenge to public health systems worldwide. Effective containment requires speed, precision, and immediate access to specialized tools and expertise. This is the core mission of MOBVEC: to provide a fully equipped, ready-to-deploy mobile unit that can turn a potential crisis into a manageable event.

The demonstration: bringing the lab to the field

The comprehensive demonstration showcased the full potential of the MOBVEC mobile laboratory. The scenario focused on simulating a rapid response to a suspected arbovirus outbreak. Here is what the demonstration successfully highlighted:

• Rapid deployment and mobility: The demo emphasized how quickly the mobile laboratory can be transported and set up, ensuring that advanced surveillance tools and diagnostics are available right where they are needed—in the field.
• Advanced entomological surveillance: Teams demonstrated the use of cutting-edge tools for monitoring and identifying disease vectors, including smart-traps and specialized collection equipment. This immediate, on-site data collection is vital for understanding the scope of an outbreak.
• Real-time diagnostics: The ability to perform high-throughput field diagnostics means samples can be processed immediately, leading to the rapid identification of pathogens and vectors. This real-time data is essential for public health teams to implement targeted control measures quickly, effectively stopping transmission chains before they spread widely.
• Data integration: A core strength of MOBVEC is its capacity for real-time data collection and integration. The demonstration showed how field observations, lab results, and surveillance data are immediately shared with central health authorities, strengthening coordinated response capacity.

Strengthening preparedness for tomorrow

The mobile laboratory is not just a vehicle; it is a versatile, integrated system that acts as a key asset in strengthening global preparedness against future outbreaks.

We extend our sincere gratitude to INSA for organizing the meeting and demonstration, and to all consortium partners who contributed to this significant achievement. The success of the Lisbon demo brings us one step closer to ensuring that public health teams everywhere have the resources they need to protect communities from the threat of vector-borne diseases.

For more information on the project and our partners, please visit the official MOBVEC website.