Health authorities in Peru are battling the spread of infectious diseases in the wake of Wednesday's devastating earthquake.
Health Minister Carlos Vallejos said that some 1,500 doctors and nurses were struggling to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases among earthquake victims.
The official death toll remains at 500 with more than 1,600 injured but the number of missing is still unknown.
Meanwhile, President Alan Garcia has threatened a curfew to stop looting after Wednesday's 8.0 magnitude quake.
Amid increasing reports of looting and assaults, President Garcia ordered more troops to the quake-stricken area and promised that authorities would keep the peace whatever the cost.
He tried to play down reports of looting in Pisco and Chincha, saying they were nothing more than rumors.
A government statement said 1,000 military have been sent to assist 2,000 police in patrolling streets in Pisco, Chincha, Ica and Canete, with orders to deal firmly with looting.
