Public Health Alerts
Health alerts such as outbreaks, boil water advisories and product recalls can come from various trusted sources throughout the Province of British Columbia, in your local Health Authority area, and right across Canada. This section of our website brings together all of these alerts in one location.
Each of the health authorities in the Province are responsible for providing current public health information to the people who live in that region. We have divided this section into topics with links to provincial and health authority specific information. These links will help you access the information that affects the community you live in.
We have highlighted the most recent alerts from all regions and sources in British Columbia, to ensure you have quick access to the latest public information that may affect you and your family. For food recalls, medication and product recalls, and allergy alerts issues by Government of Canada agencies, visit the Across Canada tab. For information on air quality, forest fires, food inspections and water quality advisories, visit the In Your Area tab.
Most Recent Alerts
Summer is here, bringing long days, warmer weather, vacations and outdoor activities.
As the temperatures rise and the festival season sets in; Island Health has health tips to ensure everyone has a fun, and safe, summer.
Drug poisonings are increasing in Port Alberni. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
With the arrival of summer and warmer temperatures, the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) is urging people to take extra care and plan ahead in the event of extreme-weather conditions.
People enjoying beautiful British Columbia this Canada Day long weekend are strongly urged to use caution and be prepared as warm weather and drought conditions increase wildfire risk in many areas of the province.
June 25, 2024 VCH has issued a drug alert. White tablet with imprint ‘TEC’ sold as Percocet in the DTES of Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and negative for oxycodone.
An Extreme Heat Emergency is when daytime and nighttime temperatures get hotter every day and are well above seasonal norms.
***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Port Alberni - June 19, 2024*** Overdoses are increasing in Port Alberni. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
There's always potential for extended hot temperatures in the summer. Here's what you can do to ensure you and your family remain safe and healthy this summer.
People on the South Island experiencing a mental health or substance use issue that does not require a hospital visit can now access a same-day assessment appointment and/or walk-in counselling at Island Health’s Central Access and Rapid Engagement Services (CARES) in Victoria. People experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency should always call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department immediately.
Last Updated: June 11, 2024
Each of the health authorities in the Province are responsible for providing current public health information to the people who live in that region. We have divided this section into topics with links to provincial and health authority specific information. These links will help you access the information that affects the community you live in.
Air Quality
- Air Quality Advisories
- BC Air Quality
- BC Air Quality Health Index
- Fraser Health
- Interior Health
- Island Health
- Northern Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Health Canada: Air quality and health
Places to keep cool
When it’s too hot outside, many public places and municipal buildings can offer you a place to cool down. Local community centres, malls, pools and libraries usually have air-conditioned areas open to the public. Most communities in British Columbia have waterparks, wading pools and beaches where you can cool down. Local government websites often list community centres, fountains, libraries, swimming pools, water parks and wading pools.
If your local community is not listed, please call your local municipality or check their website to see where air-conditioned cooling centres are located. You can also contact your local library to see if they are open.
Drinking Water Quality and Advisories
Food Safety and Inspections
Health Authority News Releases
For latest updates from your Health Authority, see:
- BC Centre for Disease Control
- BC Children's Hospital
- Fraser Health
- First Nations Health Authority
- Island Health
- Interior Health
- Northern Health
- Provincial Health Services Authority
- Vancouver Coastal Health
Mental Health and Substance Use
- First Nations Health Authority: Mental Health and Wellness Support
- Fraser Health
- Interior Health: Mental Health and Substance Use Clinical Tools & Resources
- Island Health: Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Northern Health: Mental health and substance use
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Mental health and substance use
Issues such as food recalls, medication and product recalls, and allergy alerts can affect more than one province in Canada. Here we have provided quick access to public health alerts made public by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Healthy Canadians and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.