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Chinese pediatrician twice was key sleuth in health crises

Last update: May 9, 2008 - 8:05 PM

FUYANG, CHINA - It's rare that a physician would single-handedly play a crucial role in resolving two big health crises in China, saving scores of children. But that's precisely the case with Dr. Liu Xiaolin.

A soft-spoken pediatrician, Liu figured out four years ago that adulterated infant formula was leaving a trail of dead babies in this rural corner of eastern China. The case brought big headlines, landed the formula makers in prison and heightened awareness of consumer rights in China.

In the last few weeks, the national spotlight again found Liu. This time, she raised an alarm over a mystery viral ailment in children, bringing it to provincial, then to national attention. While colleagues initially balked at her fuss, authorities soon realized that a sometimes fatal variant of hand, foot and mouth disease had spread around China.

As of Friday, state media said the death toll from the disease had climbed to 32 children, with 15,799 others stricken.

Liu, a practicing physician since 1982, said she focused hard on good care.

"I didn't do anything worthy of praise," Liu said. "I'm only a normal pediatrician."

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE