Before you go
Make sure that you have adequate travel insurance, get a dental check, know your own blood group and if you suffer from a long-term condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or allergy make sure that someone get to know this by bringing this information with you.

Bring your prescription medications. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage.

See you doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before the departure for general advice on travel risks and vaccinations. Don’t forget antibiotics, basic first aid, Immodium or Pepto-Bismol, mosquito repellents, sun block, sunglasses and a cap or hat. 

Yellow Fever
Brazil recommends vaccination for travelers destined for endemic zones, which includes certain rural areas of Bahia.

Hepatitis
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.

Typhoid
Immunisation against typhoid is recommended.

Malaria
The coastal states in Brazil, from “the tip” to Uruguay – which includes Bahia – are with very low risks areas in regard to malaria.

Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever happens particularly after rain in densely populated areas anywhere in the country. The risk is proportional with the amount of water and rain but usually areas inland are more affected.

The principal vector mosquito (Ae. Aegypti) is most frequently found in or near human habitations and prefers to feed on humans during the daytime. It has two peak periods of biting activity: in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon for several hours before dark. The mosquito may feed at any time during the day, however, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it is overcast. Mosquito breeding sites include artificial water containers such as discarded tires, uncovered barrels, buckets, flower vases or pots, cans, and cisterns.

There is no effective treatment for dengue, which has severe flu-like symptoms and can be fatal to the elderly or very young. You are advised to minimise exposure to mosquito bites by covering up and use repellents and mosquito nets. Other ways of reducing risks are closing windows at night - in those very few cases where a/c is not available - and spray repellent around doors and windows. 

The diseases above are very unlikely to be encountered in modern hotels in the main tourist areas and along the coastline of the state.

If you have reason to suspect you may have contracted any of the diseases, seek medical advice urgently, keep calm and drink water to reduce fever.

Food and water precautions
Lots of travellers get diarrhoea from eating or drinking something contaminated. Anyone can also get diseases like cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A from contaminated food and water. You can reduce the risk by taking these simple precautions: 

• always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before handling food or eating.
• Always use clean water for washing food and cleaning your teeth as well as drinking. Keep your mouth shut during shower and never drink the water from the tap.
• if you’re not sure whether the water is safe, sterilise it by boiling it or using purification tablets, or even better, use bottled water instead. Bottles can be bought almost everywhere.
• avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from treated, chlorinated water. This includes ice used to keep food cool as well as ice in drinks.
• make sure food has been freshly and thoroughly cooked and is still piping hot – avoid food that has been kept warm.
• avoid uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
• avoid food that is likely to have been exposed to flies.
• avoid ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks, beach or street traders.