In the state of Virginia in the United States, a new public health threat has emerged over recent years. The threat is considered to be so serious that a specialist team, including environmental and public health professionals, has been set up. Originating in Uganda, the West Nile virus first appeared in New York during 1999 and so far has killed seven people. It can cause encephalitis and meningitis in humans and is spread by mosquitoes, which become infected after biting birds that are carriers.

EHOs across the state are tackling the spread of the virus in a number of ways, including trench digging and evening fogging with insecticide. A public education programme has also been set up to raise awareness of mosquito breeding. Some of the measures promoted include turning over and removing containers in yards, emptying birdbaths, removing old tyres and cleaning roof gutters.

EHOs in Virginia are also participating in anti-terrorism measures. The state laboratory service was one of the first laboratories in the US to confirm cases of anthrax and as a result has a special floor designated to bio-terrorism. The US government has listed five agents - anthrax, smallpox, plague, tularaemia and botulism toxin, which it sees as being an immediate threat.

A public health anti-terrorism network has been set up between the Public Health Department, US Agriculture, the FDA and the FBI. Thanks to the profession's holistic background and its excellent public health skills, the role of the EHO is now seen as key to the fight against terrorism. The environmental health role includes improving emergency planning, advising on the supply of antibiotics and anti-toxins, mass decontamination, public hysteria and public health epidemiology.

In Australia and New Zealand, environmental health work also varies considerably. For instance, in Christchurch and the surrounding district, EHOs deal with issues as diverse as social housing, the illegal and ritual slaughter of animals by Polynesian migrants and tidal wave emergency planning.

Across the South Pacific, and along the east coast of Australia, EHOs face a similar problem to their counterparts in Virginia. Mosquitoes carrying the Dengue Fever virus pose a serious health risk particularly to the young and those who have previously been exposed. The virus has a sudden onset, and its main symptoms are a fever, skin rash and minor bleeding of the nose or gums. In severe cases, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever can develop which can be fatal. EHOs are involved in surveillance and dengue virus notifications, and like their US counterparts are educating the public on removing the stagnant water in which the Dengue mosquito breeds.

In Cairns, Queensland, HMO licensing has become an increasingly important issue, especially in traveller hostels. Following the deaths of several travellers in hostels, a new policy and assessment scheme was set up with the co-operation of the Cairns fire service. It is only a short hop to Asia from Australia, and Bangkok offers a sobering experience of the poverty and environmental health problems in that region of the world. Raw meat, such as chicken carcasses are routinely prepared for sale next to cooked meats down street alleys. There is no potable water supply, waste disposal or drainage facilities.

There is no evidence of hand washing or hand washing facilities and the only control the public has is to ensure that the food is cooked properly on-site, and that the food handler does not touch the food with their hands.

Richard studied environmental health at Leeds Metropolitan University between 1991 and 1995. Since graduating he has worked in both the public and private sector. If any body would like to find out more about Richard's travels and how to organise work abroad, he can be contacted at richardhuysers@hotmail.com