Situation of Pneumonia, Thailand, 2005-2010

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine epidemiological characteristics of pneumonia in Thailand during 2005 – 2010. Disease surveillance data from the Bureau of Epidemiology, Ministry of Public Health, during 2005 – 2010 were reviewed and analyzed. Investigation reports of severe pneumonia during 2006 - 2010 were also summarized. Frequency, percentage and rate were used for descriptive statistics. The morbidity rate of pneumonia was highest in 2010 (260.17/100,000 pop.). The mortality rate was also highest in 2010 (1.85/100,000 pop.). The annual case - fatality rate ranged between 0.60 and 0.79 during 2005 - 2010. The proportions of pneumonia cases and deaths were slightly higher in males than females. The highest rate of pneumonia was observed in children 0 - 4 years old, followed by the elderly 65 years old and older. The case-fatality rate increased with age. The elderly 65 years old and older had the highest rate of case - fatality. Cases of pneumonia were more reported in the rainy season than other seasons. Each year, the northern region of the country had the highest case rate. Of the investigation reports with 139 pneumonia cases, 102 (73.38%) were dead. The death group had the proportions of elderly, dyspnea and co-morbid diseases greater than the survival group. Legionnaires’ disease was sporadically reported each year. Disease surveillance data and investigation reports may be useful for prevention and control of pneumonia.