Sri Lanka deploys military drones to fight worst dengue outbreak in almost a decade

Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst dengue outbreak in nearly a decade, with 76,044 infections and 53 deaths reported since January. To combat the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, the nation's armed forces have been deployed to assist public health services. Air force drones are being used to identify stagnant water sources on rooftops, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, particularly after monsoon rains. Additionally, military and police personnel are inspecting homes, construction sites, and schools to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. This intensified effort is in response to the rising number of cases, which are approaching the figures from a significant 2017 outbreak, and is attributed to a more virulent strain of the virus.