Im going to Rio the first week of March 2002. Does anybody know the story about dengue, I have been reading about it in O globo online the past couple of days but my porteguse is not complete. What is dengue? I know you get it from a mosquito bite and there are several varities of it with one being fatal, there have been some deaths about 15 I think. I have had email from friends who are now in Rio and they are on the beach and say they haven't seen 1 mosquito the whole time there. Does anybody have any info on this problem, Im also going to Buzios.

Hi Don:<BR><BR>I'm from Venezuela, and we have had serious problems with this desease. <BR><BR>It's transmited by a mosquitoe called the "patas blancas". Not all mosquitoes transmit the desease, just this particular one. <BR><BR>There are two types of dengue: <BR>1. Dengue hemorr&aacute;gico <BR>2. Denge regular.(plain). <BR>You can only be diagnosed by having a blood test and a count of your plaquetes (sp?) "plaquetas". If you re below a certain amount, you are hospitalized. Treatment is mostly rest and lots of fluids. <BR><BR>The symptons of both dengues are as if you had a terrible cold, terrible aching in joints, body, even to touch the skin is painful. You can't find the strenght to even go to the bathroom. The one called "hemorr&aacute;gico" is the dangerous one, and a bleeder. If you experience flu like symptoms, DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN. Aspirin will make it worst, since it will thin out your blood more.<BR><BR>Sanitation authorites have distributed information that the clearing of non running waters; stored waters should remain under cover; fumigations; etc. to erradicate the proliferation of any type of mosquitoes.<BR><BR>Recommendations: Take vitamin B (can't recall which one) to discourage mosquitoe bites. Consult your physician about any other precautionary measures you could take.<BR><BR>I don't know about Rio, but this desease is mainly spread where there are rivers or empoverished areas, where running water is not available and it's mainly stored in open receptacles.<BR><BR>Hope this helps you understand what you are dealing with.<BR><BR>Ana

Hi Don:<BR><BR>I checked and found these sites that may interest you:<BR><BR>Bloodsuckers Give Disease Flight <BR>By Karen Watson <BR>http://www.discovery.com/exp/epidemic/dengue/dengue.html<BR>Most cases happen in urban areas, and usually at altitudes less than 4,500 feet. Aedes mosquitoes like to breed in standing water such as may be found in empty tires, flower pots, artificial ponds, etc., especially after rains. These are quite common in tropical urban areas, even around hotels. The local authorities may try to eradicate the mosquito population with spraying but these pesky aviators just keep coming back for more. Protect yourself!<BR><BR><BR>Extract from <BR>Dengue Fever by<BR>Alan Spira, M.D., DTM&H<BR><BR>http://www.armchair.com/info/spira7.html<BR><BR><BR>" Should you travel to an area where dengue is possible? Absolutely. Just remember to pack common sense with you, and protect yourself against mosquito bites. While there is no guarantee against contracting it, the odds are definitely in your favor of escaping unharmed."<BR><BR>Ana<BR><BR>Healthy Travels!<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Ana, thank you for all this info, I just went to the store and bought insect repellent with 29% deet, I think this should help.

Personally, I'm a little scared after reading this. We're thinking of cancelling our trip end of March since they're prediction it to get worse! <BR>Anyone in country who has insight, I'd appreciate it. <BR><BR>Dengue Epidemic Sweeps Through Rio<BR><BR>February 26, 2002 <BR><BR>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS<BR><BR><BR>RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) -- Nine-hour waiting lines at<BR>hospitals, blood banks running dry, army troops summoned to<BR>swat disease-spreading mosquitos -- an epidemic of dengue<BR>fever is gripping this city.<BR><BR>http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/inte...9c57eff464eaa2

I am in Rio now, the dengue problem is in the north zone of rio, the tourist area of rio is in the south zone, there is no problem there. Whenever I ask about dengue they laugh at me and tell me there is no problem in this area. When I say I am wearing repellent again they laugh and say it won´t hurt. So what I am saying is don´t cancel your plans, it seems the newspapers are playing this up bigger than it is in the tourist area.