Bahamas
Dental treatment is available in the Bahamas
Medication is available widely throughout the Bahamas
Blood supplies in the Nassau private hospitals are considered safe and screened to international standards
Medical care is generally good in Nassau and in Freeport, but may be limited in remote areas.
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.
Take personal protective measures against insects. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
Ciguatera fish poisoning (Barracuda and certain species of Jack and Grouper have been known to cause ciguatera).
Poisonous insects (such as black widow spiders and scorpions).
Coral and jellyfish may present problems.
Spiny sea urchins can cause severe foot infections if stepped on.
Rental of motorbikes is not recommended due to poor road conditions and a high accident rate.
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.
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 illness: outbreaks of dengue fever occur, and dengue hemorrhagic fever has also occurred.
Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases, including bacillary and amoebic dysenteries, are common.
Hepatitis - occurs
Other hazards:
High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
Influenza risk extends from November to April.
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
