Robert S. Desowitz Books

Tropical diseases have a long history in America, impacting cities like Philadelphia with yellow fever and Washington with malaria. The narrative explores how these diseases have adapted and thrived in various regions, including the presence of the Ebola virus in Baltimore and the Mexican pig tapeworm among Brooklyn's orthodox Jewish community. The book highlights the often-overlooked connection between these diseases and American life, revealing their persistent influence on public health throughout history.

The book explores the evolution of global health crises over the past two decades, beginning with the AIDS epidemic and extending to emerging pathogens like the West Nile Virus. It addresses the plight of neglected diseases in the Third World, highlighting issues such as patent laws, the impact of global warming on epidemics, and the disconnect between clinicians and public health professionals. Additionally, it delves into the looming threat of bioterrorism, providing a comprehensive analysis of the moral and legal challenges facing biomedical science today.