国内英语新闻:Chinese vice premier stresses prevention, control of infectious diseases

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang urged the boosting of efforts to prevent and control the hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) nationwide as the illness re-emerges in parts of the country.

"Spring and summer is a peak period for infectious diseases. Currently, preventing and controlling various infectious diseases such as the hand-foot-mouth disease is a key task," Li said Wednesday at a meeting on a nationwide health campaign.

At least five children died of HFMD and another 9,863 cases have been reported in central China's Henan Province as of March 23. The local government has asked kindergartens and schools across the province to step up health checks of children.

Li urged the acceleration of research into vaccines and drugs for the disease and a focus on prevention and control work in rural areas for the most vulnerable groups.

HFMD is a common illness mainly affecting children under the age of 10. It usually starts with a slight fever which is followed by blisters and ulcers in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. It is spread through contact with saliva or feces of the infected.

Li stressed related departments across the country should step up work to prevent and control A/H1N1 influenza with emergency plans and ample storage of vaccines, drugs and equipment.

Li added that major events, including the 2010 Shanghai Expo, will be the key events for disease control and prevention.