Thailand to enforce law to eliminate Zika breeding spots

Thailand authorities seeks to curb the Zika epidemic by eliminating breeding grounds of mosquitoes that can transmit the virus.

The Thai Public Health Ministry announced on Friday it would revive a 1992 law allowing officials to order the elimination of decorative ponds or any areas with still water where mosquitoes can breed.

The ministry said changing still water every seven days was an effective way to prevent a surge of mosquito offspring.

Mosquitoes usually breed and hunt within a 100-meter (100-yard) radius of their birth place, according to the ministry.

Authorities warned homeowners who fail to remove mosquito breeding grounds on their property that they would face jail and fines.

Anyone failing to clean up or remove the mosquito breeding grounds can face a jail term of one month and a fine of 2,000-5,000 baht ($57-143), the ministry said.

Mosquitoes have always been a major concern in Thailand because they also transmit malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya.

Thailand has 279 confirmed cases of Zika since the start of the year. More than 30 pregnant women are among the victims.

SS