As rescue work continues, the most urgent need is to prevent the spread of epidemics. So far, health workers have been able to prevent outbreaks or public health crises.

Over 900 personnel sent by the Ministry of Health, have been assisting local health workers in preventing epidemics in the disaster areas.

Supplies to prevent epidemics, such as vaccines, disinfectant and sprayers have arrived in Chengdu.

In Dujiangyan City, one of the areas worst hit by the quake, more than 300 professional epidemic control staffers and dozens of volunteers are at work. They are helping to clean up debris and move displaced people into temporary settlements.

The epidemic prevention teams are working around the clock to prevent outbreaks.

Jia Jun, Chengdu Disease Control Center said "We've sent a large group of medical workers to these areas. Every day, teams go out in the morning and again in the afternoon to disinfect areas where there is high risk. The teams are also equipped with pamphlets to guide civilians in first aid and disease prevention."

Disease prevention has also started in Pengzhou city and more than 30,000 medical workers have been sent to towns. They are cleaning up toilets and areas where garbage has piled up.

In Mianzhu City, personnel from the local disease control center are working alongside PLA soldiers and volunteers. They are dispatching fresh drinking water. Health personnel are also introducing civilians to ways of purifying available water to increase the supply of potable water.

(CCTV May 20, 2008)