Chinese health team continues post-quake disease prevention work in Myanmar

MANDALAY, Myanmar, May 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government's health and epidemic prevention team to Myanmar continues its work in the earthquake-affected areas of Mandalay on Friday.

The team has visited several settlements for earthquake victims and conducted activities such as water sample collection and testing, mosquito-borne disease monitoring, environmental sanitation, vaccination guidance, post-disaster psychological support, exchanges with Myanmar public health professionals, and laboratory skills training.

Zhao Shiwen, an expert with the Chinese health prevention team and deputy director of the Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said during exchanges with local professionals that the risk of infectious disease outbreaks typically rises significantly after a major earthquake.

Zhao highlighted the importance of conducting hygienic testing of drinking water and food, and the pathological testing of patients and the environment in disaster-affected areas.

The Chinese team brought laboratory testing equipment and reagent supplies capable of performing up to 80 types of tests in Myanmar.

While providing psychological support for victims, the team also began training local volunteers in psychological intervention skills to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.

The 50-member team, carrying emergency medical supplies and equipment, arrived in Myanmar on April 19 to support local health prevention and control efforts following the deadly disaster.