these facts on  dengue have led to various alarming media headlines, though researchers studying the epidemic say that the estimates are based on past cases, before education and prevention campaigns were put in place by the government.

while there are currently no vaccines or medicine available to treat dengue, there are easy to implement cautionary measures that are recommended - wearing bug spray, using air conditioners, and putting mosquito nets in all bedrooms all help lower the chances of an infection.

furthermore, groups of researchers and the government have made available lots of information on dengue aiming at prevention -  dez minutos contra a dengue (ten minutes against dengue) is one such campaign detailing simple steps towards eradicating the disease - the prefecture of rio de janeiro offers vaccines and guidelines through the portal  rio contra a dengue, accessible on this link.