Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Sri Lanka uses drones to combat dengue outbreak
Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in nearly a decade.
The disease, spread by mosquitoes, has caused 53 deaths and over 76,000 infections.
The government is using air force drones to find places where mosquitoes breed, and the military is helping to clean up these sites.
Hospitals are very busy, and doctors are advising people with mild symptoms to stay home.
The outbreak is expected to slow down in August but could get worse again in November when the rains return.
Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst dengue outbreak in nearly a decade, with 53 deaths and 76,044 infections.
The government is using air force drones to identify mosquito breeding sites and the military is assisting in cleanup efforts.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, with over 18,000 cases reported in the first two weeks of July alone.
The outbreak is exacerbated by the more virulent DENV-2 strain and infrastructure damage from cyclone Ditwah.
Health officials expect the outbreak to ease in August but warn of a potential resurgence in November.
- Who
- Sri Lankan public health services, hospitals, armed forces, and residents
- What
- A severe dengue outbreak
- When
- Since January, with a significant increase in July
- Where
- Across Sri Lanka, particularly in Negombo
- Why
- Due to a more virulent strain of dengue virus and infrastructure damage from cyclone Ditwah
Proactive Measures
Limited Resources
Use of Technology
Proactive Measures
The use of air force drones to identify mosquito breeding sites is a proactive and innovative approach to controlling the outbreak.
Limited Resources
Despite technological interventions, the healthcare system is stretched thin, and resources are limited.
Vaccination Strategy
Proactive Measures
Introducing a dengue vaccine could be a long-term solution to control the outbreak.
Limited Resources
Experts warn that the vaccine may offer limited benefits due to the complexity of the virus and the presence of multiple strains.
- Deaths
- 53
- Infections
- 76,044
- Worst-hit Area
- Negombo
- Hospital Beds per 1,000 People
- 4
- Mosquito Breeding Sites Cleared
- 11,000
- Fines Levied
- 4,000