Bahrain

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There are a few cases of imported malaria (no malaria-infected area in the country).
• There are no cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• 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

• No specific immunization is required from travelers entering the country.
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

Manama
• Al Shefaa Paediatric Specialist Center, P.O. Box 2225: phone, + 973 253 111, fax + 973 273 688
• American Mission Hospital, P.O. Box 1: phone + 973 253 447, fax + 973 234 194
• International Hospital of Bahrain, P.O. Box 1084: phone + 973 591 666, fax + 973 596 008



Awali
• Awali Hospital, Bahrain Petroleum Company township: phone + 973 753 549, fax + 973 753 598



Riffa
• Bahrain Defence Force Hospital P.O. Box 28743, 312-a West Riffa: phone + 973 766 999, fax + 973 650 808



Juffair
• Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Bld.2743, Rd.2442, Block 324, P.O. Box 10588: phone + 973 1781 2000, fax + 973 1781 2012

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 999
• Police: 999
• Ambulances: 999

CLIMATE

• The climate is very hot (38°C) and wet from April to October.
• Sandstorms may occur during the summer.
• From November to the end of April, temperatures are mild in Bahrain (18°C in Juanary). Yet, night tempratures are cooler.
• Between December and March, several rainfalls occur, sometimes with harsh winds.
• When to go: between November and April.