Hi there,
In Rio de Janeiro state of Brazil, The number of deaths caused by dengue is touching 100 while the number of people infected has surpassed 75,000, more than the total number last year, signaling a serious year for the government in fighting the epidemic.
I read this article somewhere and thought it could be of concern for those planning for Rio.
Also Brazil's Health Ministry warned that 16 of the country's 27 states are at the risk of an outbreak of dengue fever in 2009.
So pals take care in Rio but also enjoy the live city.

Thank you very much for the information. If possible can you post a link to the article so I may read it too? Dengue is deadly so thanks for the warning.

Source reduction through health education As Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean water collections in and around houses, ASHA would provide health education to the community for preventing breeding of mosquitoes and advising the community for protection from mosquito bites by taking the following steps:

1. Keeping clean environment in and around houses,
2. Covering all water tanks and containers with tight lids,
3. Emptying & drying water coolers, tanks, other water storage containers, at least once a week before refilling
4. Disposing & destroying all containers, junk materials, tyres, coconut shells, etc.,
5. Cleaning and draining roof gutters, tree holes, etc. and placing salt in ant-traps at least once a week,
6. Turning sap containers used in rubber plantation upside down when not in use. This will prevent water collection in the latex collecting cups during the non-collecting season of latex by keeping the cups either tightly covered or inverted,
7. Wearing full sleeved clothing to cover the body and
8. Using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, even when resting during the day time; as the Aedes aegypti mosquito is a day biter.

This is only 6% of Rio de Janeiro's total population. Though it may be a concern but so is the fact 7 million die a year due to cancer worldwide. Let's relax on fear and just do...experience life, be informed, and definitely go to Rio. American In Brasil Interactive

Mark
~american in brasil

Untill this moment we are free of it!I didn´t hear anything about that yet this year!