title: [The rights to health information].
abstract: This article discusses the role of the press in the diffusion of health information during an epidemics outbreak. After having analysed the news published at the São Paulo City press since January 1988, we identified some patterns of behavior by health authorities and by the press. The right to information is discussed in relation to the construction of a critical health awareness which allows social groups to act when facing health situation of potential threat.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Barata