The World Health Organization (WHO) urged China on Sunday to be wary of disease outbreaks in the aftermath of a strong earthquake that hit the country's southwest region on May 12.

"Continuing surveillance is extremely important," Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the UN agency, told Xinhua in an interview.

"Early warning through very good disease surveillance systems is the only way to help you to pick up and diagnose early trouble so that you can mobilize health care workers to deal with the issue," she said.

Chan also spoke highly of the Chinese government's quick and effective response to the disaster.

"We are very much impressed by the very quick response, and we'd like to encourage them to continue," she said.

The WHO has worked very closely with the Chinese government and will continue to stand ready to help and support its disaster relief efforts, she added.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2008)