In 2005, we assessed the seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies to avian infl uenza virus A (H5N1) among 901 residents of 4 villages in Thailand where at least 1 confi rmed human case of infl uenza (H5N1) had occurred during 2004. Although 68.1% of survey participants (median age 40 years) were exposed to backyard poultry and 25.7% were exposed to sick or dead chickens, all participants were seronegative for infl uenza virus (H5N1).

The strengths and weaknesses of this response can inform planning for pandemics and other prolonged public health emergencies.

No abstract

During the first wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic in Thailand, 3 Jan to 22 Jun 2020, there were 3,151 confirmed cases and 58 related deaths. This study aimed to describe epidemiological characteristics of the deaths and explore risk factors using a retrospective cohort study design. A COVID-19 related death was defined as a confirmed COVID-19 case who died from a clinically compatible illness. We collected data from investigation reports and medical records using a semi-structure questionnaire and retrieved secondary data from the Department of Disease Control’s database. Of the 58 deaths, the median age was 58 years (interquartile range (IQR) 50-70), 44 were male, and underlying disease was found in 44, hypertension being the most common. The median time from onset to diagnosis date was 7 days (IQR 5-9) compared to 4 days (IQR 2-7) in recovered cases. Six were nosocomial infections and of the remaining 52, 36 had visited a medical facility at least once before they were hospitalized. Male, elderly, and delayed diagnosis were found to be positively associated with death. Early detection of COVID-19 cases should be strengthened in health care facilities throughout Thailand.

No abstract