Health risks

The Bahamas is a country of many islands, and it has a developing economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Nassau.

CRIME : Visitors should exercise caution and good judgment when visiting The Bahamas. Violent crime has increased in the recent past.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is generally good in Nassau and Freeport, but it is limited in other areas. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services. Persons with serious or life-threatening conditions normally must be airlifted to hospitals in the United States for treatment.

There is a chronic shortage of blood at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed. Travellers with rare blood types should know the names and locations of possible blood donors should the need arise.

Arthropod borne diseases:

    • Dengue Fever (sporadic)
    Water- or food borne diseases:
    • Diarrhoae
    • Hepatitis A
    • Amoebiasis

    Other diseases:

    • Hepatitis B

    Vaccination recommendation:

    • Yellow fever - entering from an endemic region.
    • Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin.
    • Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin.
    • Typhoid fever - if staying in remote areas.
    • Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals.
    • A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within the last 10 years.

    Prevent illness by:

    • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
    • Drink only water from cans or boiled water.
    • Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water.
    • Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
    • Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
    • Avoid eating uncooked foods - Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
    • Avoid swimming in fresh water.
    • Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injuries so be careful.
    • Avoid travelling at night and use safety belts when available.
    • To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
    • Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

    Compulsory vaccinations: yellow fever certificate if arriving from infected areas. Exempt infants under 1 year.

    Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *polio, *TB, tetanus, *typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

    Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

    • Malaria: Yes, The Malaria Risk and Category applies to Great Exuma Island only.
    • Maliaria Risk Category: A.
    • Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No.
    • Sub Saharan Africa: No.
    • West Nile Virus Risk: No.
    • Chikungunya VirusRisk: No.

    Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Bahamas.
    Food and Water Safety
    HIV Risk
    Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Bahamas and prevention before arrival at Bahamas.

    Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Bahamas.