ABSTRACT
There are several major components of the recreational environment that can contribute to the spread of disease and increase the amount of injuries within the United States and all other world communities. People travel from one point in the world to another or within a given country. Unless they are walking to the travel destination, they need to use some form of transportation, so they travel by motor vehicle (automobiles and buses), trains, planes, and ships. The individuals need to have available but may be lacking: potable water; safe food; safe and secure housing; disposal of solid and hazardous waste; and disposal of sewage including human waste. Throughout the centuries various microorganisms, insects, and rodents have accompanied the travelers from one area to another which has resulted in innumerable outbreaks of disease, some of them devastating epidemics or pandemics. Animals and plants have been moved from one local ecosystem to another, sometimes resulting in disastrous consequences.
