This article discusses dengue in terms of its conceptual and
historical aspects, epidemiological and clinical/pathological
nature, and evolution up to the present situation in Brazil, The
author discusses the ecological relationship in both the production
of dengue and its control, Comparison is made between traditional
dengue-control programs and a proposed socially-controlled program
of an ecological nature without the use of insecticides. Stress is
placed on interdisciplinary technical and scientific activity,
broadbased participation by communities in discussing methodological
aspects involving them, and prospective evaluation comparing the
communities selected for intervention and control communities with
regard to clinical and subclinical dengue cases and vector
infestation rates in relation to climatic, socio-economic, and
behavioural factors.
