Sri Lanka deploys drones to hunt mosquito breeding grounds

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Colombo: Sri Lanka has deployed military drones and activated its armed forces to tackle a serious dengue outbreak, as the mosquito-borne sickness puts increasing strain on the country's healthcare system.

Air Force drones are being used to search rooftops and other difficult-to-reach areas for stagnant water, which can serve as a breeding site for dengue-carrying mosquitos. Military and police troops are also assisting health officials by visiting residences, building sites, schools, and other locations to identify and destroy mosquito breeding areas.

Since January, Sri Lanka has reported almost 76,000 dengue infections and 53 deaths, making this the country's worst outbreak in over a decade. A more virulent DENV-2 strain is thought to be responsible for roughly three-quarters of all infections.

The rise has put hospitals under severe strain, with over 18,000 cases reported in just the first two weeks of July alone. To deal with the rush of patients, hospitals have increased beds, renovated wards, and extended doctors' and nurses' working hours.

According to authorities, approximately 11,000 mosquito breeding sites were eliminated in July, and more than 4,000 buildings were punished for allowing mosquito breeding conditions. Officials expect instances to decrease as monsoon rains weaken in August, but they warn that illnesses might rise again if heavier rains return later this year.