Sri Lanka Deploys Air Force Drones as Dengue Outbreak Crosses 76,000 Cases

Colombo: Sri Lanka has intensified its fight against a major dengue outbreak by deploying air force drones to identify mosquito breeding locations and support large-scale prevention efforts. The country is facing one of its worst dengue situations in nearly a decade, with more than 76,000 infections and dozens of deaths reported since the beginning of 2026.

The outbreak has placed additional pressure on healthcare facilities, with hospitals witnessing a sharp rise in dengue patients. Health authorities have expanded preventive measures as the highly active DENV-2 strain continues to spread.

Drone Technology Used to Locate Breeding Areas

The Sri Lankan government has introduced drone surveillance to identify mosquito breeding grounds that are difficult to detect through traditional inspections.

Air force teams are using aerial monitoring to locate areas where stagnant water may allow mosquito populations to grow. The initiative aims to improve early detection and support targeted cleaning operations.

Authorities have also involved military personnel in inspection drives and mosquito-control campaigns across affected regions.

Hospitals Face Growing Pressure

The increasing number of dengue infections has created challenges for hospitals and healthcare workers. Medical facilities have expanded capacity to manage the growing number of patients, while health officials have advised people with mild symptoms to recover at home when possible.

Healthcare workers are closely monitoring severe cases, especially those involving complications such as low platelet counts, dehydration, and internal bleeding risks.

Climate Conditions Contribute to Dengue Spread

Health experts have linked the rise in dengue cases to favourable mosquito breeding conditions following heavy rains and environmental disruptions.

Authorities have increased public awareness campaigns, urging citizens to remove stagnant water from homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

Officials are also conducting cleanup operations and imposing penalties in areas where mosquito breeding sites are discovered. Thousands of locations have already been cleared as part of the national response campaign.

Public Cooperation Remains Key

Health authorities have stressed that government action alone cannot control dengue transmission without public participation.

Residents have been encouraged to maintain cleanliness, use mosquito protection measures, and immediately seek medical advice if symptoms such as high fever, body pain, or weakness appear.

With continued monitoring and preventive efforts, Sri Lankan authorities hope to reduce the spread of dengue and ease pressure on the healthcare system in the coming weeks.