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NHNZ's intrepid filmmakers have teamed up with extreme virologist Dr. Mike Leahy to discover little hazards lurking for those travelling off the beaten track.

Dr. Mike takes viewers on an unforgettable journey around the globe as he gets up close and personal with creatures who would love nothing more than to take a holiday of their own on, around or inside the human body.

The co-production with Travel Channel U.S. and National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) features Dr. Mike's close scrapes with a range of the world's weirdest, meanest, nastiest, and most blood-curdling critters. Along the way he learns first hand that it is often the most innocuous looking wildlife that packs the deadliest punch.

After shooting the series premiere in Brazil, the co-producers quickly doubled their order from four to eight, hour-long shows, NHNZ executive producer Andrew Waterworth explains.

"Our crew was given the task of shooting a transmissible pilot.  What they came back with was so engaging and impressive, that the series quickly morphed into eight hours of programming that features a whole new style set to satisfy the most ardent travel junkie.

"There's pretty much nothing Mike won't do to make his point.  To test his theories he'll take audiences out of their comfort zone and on a journey through a world of creatures that won't think twice about sucking your blood, taking a bite or invading your body," he says.

A first for NHNZ, a paramedic accompanied the crew in the field to monitor Dr. Mike's antics and provide medical assistance as needed.  With the programmes being filmed in sometimes difficult to reach locations, the paramedic's inclusion in the crew was vital," Mr Waterworth says.

For Travel Channel U.S., Bite Me with Dr. Mike premieres June 23 at 10pm ET. NGCIS's Bite Me with Dr. Mike Leahy will premiere outside the U.S. in August.