China is setting up an extensive network to monitor potential epidemic outbreaks before and during the 2008 Olympic Games to ensure public health security, an official with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in Beijing Tuesday.

 

"The country will develop a fargoing monitoring network that is quick to react to the outbreak or any sign of an outbreak of epidemic diseases," said Dong Xiaoping, a section chief with CDC, at a symposium.

 

The network will connect hospitals, government bodies and medical experts with the public, so that information on epidemics at home and abroad could be updated promptly, he said.

 

The prevention and control of bird flu will be a top priority. Dong said the government will develop the strategic supply of vaccines as the most effective solution for potential epidemics.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2007)