Opinion | I'm a Doctor. I Was Unprepared When I Got This Disease. - The New York Times

Opinion | I’m a Doctor. I Was Unprepared When I Got This Disease. - The New York Times
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I’m a Doctor. I Was Unprepared When I Got This Disease.

Our medical systems are not adequately equipped to diagnose tropical diseases, and in a warming climate, that’s a problem.

Dr. Deborah Heaney was enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean when she was struck with a sudden, debilitating illness. It took her days, a flight home and some luck before she was finally diagnosed with dengue fever.

As temperatures rise globally, mosquito-borne tropical illnesses are spreading, and our medical systems are failing to keep up. In this audio essay, Dr. Heaney argues that the medical community must do a better job of incorporating education on diseases like dengue into their practice.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta.

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