Dengue is a disease transmitted primarily by the bite of female Aedes aegypti mosquito.
These mosquito species are most active during the day, so that the protective measures must be strengthened in this period.
The disease is endemic in more than 100 countries, with higher prevalence in the African region, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific.
In 2012, there was an outbreak of dengue fever in Madeira, Portugal, with 2168 cases reported.
Disease prevention involves the adoption of measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as applying repellent and use of appropriate clothing. In the housing the doors and windows must remain closed and the air conditioning on and should be used a mosquito net to sleep.
Symptoms of dengue are usually fever accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or itching