Over 76,000 people suffer from pneumonia since beginning of 2013

BANGKOK, June 15 (TNA) - As monsoon season has started in Thailand, Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong on Saturday urged the public to look after their health after finding more than 76,000 people have suffered from pneumonia since the beginning of this year. Dr. Pradit said provincial doctors of the ministry have been instructed to inform the people on taking care of their health, especially children and aged people who could be easily attacked by pneumonia. They are asked to wear warm clothes, especially at night time. Citing figures of the ministry’s Epidemiology Bureau, Dr. Pradit said a total of 76,023 persons were infected with pneumonia between January 1 - June 9. Almost one-thirds of the total patients are those age above 65. A total of 411 patients died because of the disease. During the calendar 2012, 196,145 people suffered from pneumonia nationwide and 1,920 persons died, he said. People suffering from cancer and receiving chemical treatment and those suffering from diabetes should take a vaccination to protect themselves from influenza during the monsoon season, Dr. Pradit added. (TNA)