OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about epidemiological, clinical and preventive aspects of hemorrhagic dengue fever in children, and to provide Brazilian pediatricians with an update on dengue METHODS: We reviewed MEDLINE and classic texts.RESULTS: Dengue is an arbovirus disease, transmitted by Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that feeds indoors and is disseminated in Brazil. Its clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic forms to acute disease with fever, myalgia, headache and rash. Evolution with hemorrhage, hemoconcentration, decreased platelets and shock is characteristic of dengue shock syndrome. Mortality rate is high, chiefly in children, if not treated earlier. There is no specific antiviral treatment, but a polyvalent vaccine is presently being evaluated.CONCLUSION: Among the prevalent acute infectious diseases in our setting, dengue is one of the most frequent, and may be highly lethal if associated with shock. Vector control is still the most effective prophylactic measure.