Vector-Borne, Zoonotic, and Toxic Metal Risks Plagues, outbreaks, and disasters can have a catastrophic impact on health. Therefore, it is vital for environmental and public health practitioners to pay attention to the agents of environmental disease to prevent potential epidemics. During this week's Discussion, you analyze the vector-borne, zoonotic, and toxic metal concerns in your region. Additionally, you survey a range of concerns in the locations of your colleagues.  To prepare for this Discussion, read Chapters 5 and 6 of the course text. Review the PowerPoint presentations and the media presentation "Agents of Environmental Disease." Investigate the following websites:

• Visit the website of your own state's department of public health and your county's local public health agency. Investigate health risks that are relevant to your region. Make sure to use only government and other reliable websites when researching information on environmental risks in your area.   
• Review the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases website. Find information regarding various health risks and what to do when faced with them.   
• Review the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) website. Consider the methods that the CDC recommends for prevention of outbreaks and also some of the challenges faced.

By Day 4, post a brief description of one vector-borne risk, one zoonotic risk, and one toxic metal risk in your region. Describe some of the methods for controlling the risks you selected. Then, analyze how the risks in your area compare to those of a different location. Explain the similarities and differences. Finally, explain probable reasons for those differences.