Bahamas

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• This country is not affected by malaria.
• The HIV infection rate remains particularly high.
• Sexual relations as well as contaminated medical instruments are sources of hepatitis B infection.
• Diseases transmitted by arthropods, especially dengue fever, are common in the Bahamas islands.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Diseases transmitted by food and water are common, especially the ciguatera or "red tide", which is a serious food poisoning caused by fish.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice; avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Nassau
• Doctors Hospital, 147 Shirley Street and Collins Avenue, P.O. Box N-3018: phone + 1 242 322 8411, fax + 1 242 322 3284
• Lyford Cay Hospital, P.O. Box N-7776: phone + 1 242 362 4025, fax + 1 242 362 4493
• Princess Margaret Hospital, P.O. Box N-3730: phone + 1 242 322 3117, fax + 1 242 326 8804
• Western Medical Plaza, Blae Road, P.O. Box N-3018: phone + 1 242 702 4600, fax + 1 242 702 4610



Freeport
• New Sunrise Medical Centre and Hospital, East Sunrise Highway, P.O. Box F42575: phone + 1 242 352 3333, fax + 1 242 352 3342

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 919
• Police: 919
• Ambulances: 919

CLIMATE

• Climate is temperate all year round thanks to permanent trade winds. Temperatures may reah 32°C at their highest in the summer, and drop to 16°C in the winter.
• There are 320 sunny days per year.
• The rain season runs from May to November, with short night showers.
• When to go: from December to April the weather is particularly pleasant, but you can enjoy Bahamas all year long.