Air Force Drones Deployed As Sri Lanka Battles Worst Dengue Outbreak In Nearly A Decade: Top Updates

Published 22 July 2026 · health

Air Force Drones Deployed As Sri Lanka Battles Worst Dengue Outbreak In Nearly A Decade: Top Updates Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 14:21

Air Force Drones Deployed As Sri Lanka Battles Worst Dengue Outbreak In Nearly A Decade: Top Updates Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 14:21 IST Sri Lanka Dengue Outbreak: The Sri Lankan Air Force is using drones to identify stagnant water on rooftops and other mosquito breeding grounds. Rapid Read Sri Lanka Dengue Outbreak: Health officials said that around 75% of infections are linked to the DENV-2 strain. Sri Lanka Dengue Outbreak: Sri Lanka is grappling with its worst dengue outbreak in almost a decade, with authorities deploying air force drones and military personnel to help contain the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. Here are the top updates 1.

Over 76,000 Cases, 53 Deaths Reported Sri Lanka recorded 76,044 dengue infections and 53 deaths since January, putting the country on course to approach the more than 100,000 cases reported during the major 2017 outbreak. 2. Air Force Drones Join Fight The Sri Lankan Air Force is using drones to identify stagnant water on rooftops and other mosquito breeding grounds. The drones are also helping overstretched hospital staff monitor patients in some public health facilities. 3. Hospitals Struggling With Patient Surge Hospitals across the country have rushed to add beds, convert wards and increase staffing after more than 18,000 cases were reported in just the first two weeks of July.

The influx has put immense pressure on healthcare workers. 4. More Virulent DENV-2 Strain Driving Outbreak Health officials said that around 75% of infections are linked to the DENV-2 strain, which is considered more severe and has spread rapidly across the island. 5. Military-Led Cleanup Intensifies Military, police and public health teams launched large-scale inspections of homes, schools, construction sites and religious institutions. Nearly 11,000 mosquito breeding sites have been cleared this month, while fines were imposed on more than 4,000 premises found harbouring breeding grounds. Authorities hope infections will begin to ease as monsoon rains weaken in August, though experts warn cases could rise again later in the year when the next rainy season arrives.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Sri Lanka First Published: July 22, 2026, 14:21 IST News world Air Force Drones Deployed As Sri Lanka Battles Worst Dengue Outbreak In Nearly A Decade: Top Updates Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...