Aftershock kills two in China's quake area

Updated June 18, 2008 19:48:22

Chinese health authorities have warned infectious diseases threaten the country's earthquake-effected regions. [AFP]

An aftershock in central China has killed two people.

Thousands of aftershocks have shaken China since last month's devastating earthquake in neighbouring Sichuan province that killed at least 69,000 people.

In southern China, hundreds of rescue personnel are shoring up dams that are threatening to burst from torrential rains.

Nearly two million people have been evacuated in the region since major flooding began 11 days ago.

Meanwhile, infectious diseases are emerging as a major threat in China's quake zone, with injured and traumatised victims most at risk.

Health Minister Chen Zhu says simply experiencing such a huge trauma weakens people's immune systems.

The China Daily quotes him as saying for those in more vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, the risk of infection is even greater.

Although no major disease outbreak has occurred, the paper warned that health workers are facing an uphill battle, beccause medical services in the earthquake disaster zone have been badly damaged.

Mr Chen says his department is working hard to meet the health service demands and restore proper facilities as soon as possible.