Medical personnel testing soil to prevent epidemics

Medical and epidemic prevention personnel from the Chinese military have begun testing soil samples from the core area of the mudslide-hit Gyirong Port in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, to help formulate disinfection and personal protection plans as detailed search and rescue efforts continue.

Bacterial culture and pathogen testing are being used to gauge the risk of infectious diseases for rescue crews working amid shattered rocks and thick sludge in the core area, said a medical and disease prevention team with the People's Liberation Army Xizang Military Command's logistics support department.

The road access was largely restored on Wednesday morning.

Lhamo Tsering, a military technician specializing in infectious disease prevention and control, said that soil samples collected from the core zone would go through testing for 21 vector-borne pathogens, 23 respiratory pathogens and 32 gastrointestinal pathogens.

"Conducting pathogen testing on these soil samples can identify the types and levels of soil pathogen contamination, assess the risk of secondary infectious diseases, trace the sources of pollution, and guide environmental disinfection and personnel protection," she said.

"The results can also help us evaluate the effectiveness of epidemic control efforts and prevent the spread of soil-borne infectious diseases after a disaster," she added.

Liu Xiaonan, a member of the team, was among the first to enter the core zone on Wednesday after the road leading to the port reopened. He recalled heavy downpours that evening, and his team worked until late before returning.

One of the most challenging parts of his work was navigating the deep mud in the area. "In some areas, the sludge looks solid, but when I try walking on it, my feet can get sucked down until the mud comes up to my calves or even my knees. Sometimes we are only able to pull ourselves out with the help of nearby personnel," he said.

It is also important to prevent mosquito and other insect bites in the area, he added. Lhamo Tsering was one of the two female military personnel working on-site on Friday morning. The other was tasked with providing psychological consulting for search and rescue crew members.

Lhamo Tsering said she had participated in responding to acute health emergencies, including the COVID-19 outbreak, in the past. It was her first time working on the front line in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster of this scale.

"I am used to performing tests in the laboratory using samples collected and transported back by my fellow soldiers. This time, I asked to come to the hardest-hit area because I wanted to collect the samples myself to ensure the precision of my work," she said.

As a native of Lhasa, the regional capital of Xizang, Lhamo Tsering said she was also deeply saddened by the havoc wreaked by the mudslide at Gyirong Port. "This area is naturally beautiful with pristine air, a comfortable altitude and lush vegetation," she said. "I hope that one day it can restore its beauty."

Contact the writers at wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn