Bahrain
Good dental care is available in Bahrain
Medication is available widely throughout Bahrain
It is advisable to avoid blood transfusions. Blood supplies are screened for Hepatitis A & B and HIV but not necessarily for Hepatitis C.
Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.
Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
Health precautions principally involve preventing sunstroke and heatstroke, which are a real risk during summer and fall. Outdoor activities must be carefully planned and exertion kept to a minimum during the daytime in this period. General good health is best maintained by taking a lot of liquid, getting plenty of sleep, and taking extra salt on food.
High summer humidity can be troublesome to those with asthmatic or bronchial complaints.
Wear either plastic or canvas shoes when bathing or be alert for sharp pieces of coral or shell, buried pieces of tin or glass and sea urchins, stone fish, and cone shells, which can sting painfully and sometimes dangerously.
Sea snakes, jelly fish, sting rays, and sharks are found in Bahrain waters but are rarely a threat close to shore.
Minor ear infections, usually contracted through swimming in polluted water, are fairly common and should receive prompt attention to prevent the development of more serious trouble. (Polluted areas are well known. Travelers should seek advice on where clean and safe areas are located.)
Irritation to ears and eyes may be caused by drafts from fans and air-conditioners (to which young children are particularly susceptible), or, outside, by dust and sand carried by strong winds.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions.
Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available.
Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type.
Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
DISEASE RISK SUMMARY
Insect-borne diseases: these do not generally pose widespread hazards to the traveler.
Leishmaniasis (cutaneous) - occurs
Leishmaniasis (visceral) - occurs
Tick-borne relapsing fever - occurs
Typhus (including murine and tick-borne) - occurs
Food-borne and water-borne illness: poses a major hazard in most areas.
Brucellosis - prevalent
Cholera - occurs
Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs
Guinea-worm infection - occurs
Hepatitis - common
Taeniasis - occurs
Typhoid fever - common
Other hazards:
High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although cases have rarely been reported in recent years.
Influenza risk extends from November to April.
Trachoma may be a problem.
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for all individuals employed in jobs involving food handling, and patient or child care. Foreign test results are not accepted. Contact Bahrain's embassy for details.
