China is stepping up efforts to strengthen epidemic prevention in the quake areas, health officials said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

China is stepping up efforts to strengthen epidemic prevention in the quake areas, health officials said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

Health Ministry spokesman Sun Jiahai said the priority remains the rescue and treatment of injured people to reduce fatality and disability. So far, nearly 150,000 medical workers have been sent to every township and village in the quake zone to vaccinate the local people, disinfect disaster sites, and monitor for signs of epidemics. But he said more health experts will be dispatched in the near future to coordinate epidemic prevention measures.

Meanwhile, health officials are also increasing efforts on food safety, psychological counseling, and heatstroke prevention.

(CCTV May 28, 2008)