Sri Lanka deploys drones, military to combat worst dengue outbreak in a decade

Sri Lanka's public health system is struggling with the worst dengue outbreak in nearly a decade, prompting the nation's armed forces to join the fight against the mosquito-borne disease. The current outbreak has already recorded 53 deaths and 76,044 infections since January, with a more virulent strain contributing to the high numbers. This tally is approaching the more than 100,000 cases seen in a 2017 outbreak.

Efforts to curb the spread involve a multi-pronged approach. The air force is deploying drones to identify stagnant water pools on rooftops, a key breeding ground for mosquitoes, especially after recent monsoon rains. Military and police personnel are also helping to inspect homes, construction sites, and schools to eliminate potential breeding sites. This military involvement highlights the severity of the crisis and the strain on public health resources.

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It's challenging for the doctors because it's a rapid increase in patients. All of a sudden, you get a large influx coming into the hospital.

Doctors in affected areas describe the situation as challenging, with a rapid increase in patient numbers. One consultant in Negombo reported that his hospital treated nearly 1,800 dengue sufferers in less than two months, a significant jump from previous periods. Hospitals have rushed to add beds and extend working hours for medical staff to cope with the influx, particularly the more than 18,000 cases recorded in the first two weeks of July alone.

Health officials expect the number of infections to decrease as the monsoon rains subside in August. However, they caution that cases could rise again from November with the return of the island's second annual monsoon season. The nation has yet to introduce a dengue vaccine, adding to the challenge of managing the outbreak.

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The number of patients is high, and the severity of the cases is high.