Risk / Health Info for Bahamas

What vaccines should I get for Bahamas?

You will need a few shots for the Bahamas. Hepatitis A is an unpleasant GI illness that can be picked up from food or water. There is a vaccine available that can reduce your risk of contracting it. Typhoid is another GI illness that you could contract in the Bahamas and a vaccine is therefore recommended.

Certain travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles bodily fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. If you think you will be at risk of exposure during your time in the Bahamas, ask your advisor about getting a vaccine.

Can I get healthcare in Bahamas?

Medical facilities are good but there aren’t many of them and they are expensive. Emergency cases on the Family Islands are transferred to Nassau, Freeport or Miami. Travel health insurance is a must when you go to the Bahamas.

The emergency number in the Bahamas is 911.

Protect your health in Bahamas

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Bahamas, including dengue fever, Chikungunya virus and zika, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. For more mosquito avoidance advice, speak with your travel advisor or check NHS Fit for Travel.

Chikungunya virus in Bahamas

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Bahamas. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in Bahamas

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Bahamas. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in Bahamas

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Bahamas. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Bahamas. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.