China quake zone on guard against epidemics

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

SHIFANG, China (AFP) — In this earthquake-ravaged stretch of southwestern China, drinking water and vaccines are running short as health authorities face the daunting task of caring for millions of homeless.

People who lost their homes are packed into camps with only rudimentary sanitation as the government races to build makeshift housing in the wake of last week's 8.0-magnitude tremor.

Huang Xinyi, a 16-month-old baby, is covered with pimples that have appeared on his body since his family lost their homes and moved under tarpaulin.

"We had to spend 50 yuan (seven dollars) to buy some good medicine," says Xinyi's grandmother. "What's handed out for free to earthquake victims is just the most general stuff."

Health official Li Qiang does not hide...