Public Health Alerts
Health alerts such as outbreaks, boil water advisories and product recalls can come from various trusted sources throughout British Columbia, in your local Health Authority area, and across Canada. This section of our website brings together all of these alerts in one location.
Heath authorities are responsible for providing up-to-date public health information in their communities. We have divided this section into topics with links to provincial and health authority specific information. These resources help you get access to the information and services where you live.
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 
December 20, 2024
With the holidays upon us, many of us look forward to spending time with family and friends. Holidays are special, and can mean more visits and gatherings, as well as activities and outings.
December 20, 2024
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has announced that it will now provide reimbursement for a vaccine that offers protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This coverage is effective immediately, ensuring increased protection for both pregnant individuals and their babies.
December 19, 2024
Public health officials are alerting the public to take precautions following an increase in reports of gastrointestinal illness associated with eating raw oysters from British Columbia.
December 18, 2024
With New Year’s around the corner, many of us turn our thoughts to resolutions. January 1 can be a springboard for a fresh start, new habits and big goals.
December 18, 2024
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on the holiday season:
December 13, 2024
Medetomidine is a non-opioid drug with effects similar to xylazine. It is up to 200 times stronger than xylazine.
December 13, 2024
Northern Health has issued a Toxic Drug Alert for Fort St. John. A pink chunk sold as “down” has been linked to sudden overdoses requiring hospitalization. Overdoses occur when the substance is smoked. Use caution when using substance through any route.
December 12, 2024
When you think about soap, the last thing you'd expect is for it to pose a health risk. Yet, Health Canada recently issued a recall notice for certain Castelbel liquid soaps sold in Canada due to a chance that a bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, had contaminated the soap.
December 12, 2024
Multiple samples in different colors and textures, containing several Fentanyl Analogs (including Carfentanil), Benzodiazepines, Veterinary Tranquilizers (Tranq), and Nitazenes (a group of potent opioids), were tested throughout the Fraser Health region.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health works with health authorities, health care providers, agencies and other organizations to guide and improve the Province's health services to ensure that British Columbians are supported in their efforts to maintain and better their health. Below is the latest public health-related news released by the Ministry of Health.
More people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities will benefit from free ferry service when travelling for non-emergency medical specialist appointments through an expansion to the Travel Assistance Program (TAP).
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on the holiday season:
People living in Kamloops and surrounding communities will benefit from more access to team-based care with the opening of the new North Shore Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in October 2024:
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day and Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week:
Last updated: October 31, 2024
Air quality
Air Quality Advisories may be issued in many areas of BC when there are high concentrations of fine particulate matter primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning throughout BC and Washington State. Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour change.
For information on air quality advisories, warnings when air pollution levels exceed limits and Smoky Skies Bulletin announcements regarding wildfire smoke, visit the Government of British Columbia's Air Quality Advisories.
Emergencies
For information on emergencies and natural disasters affecting the province such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes and other emergencies that require public awareness and action, visit the EmergencyInfoBC page.
Drinking water quality and advisories
B.C.’s regional health authorities are also responsible for issuing notifications about drinking water quality. The three water notification levels range from the least to most serious and include water quality advisory, boil water advisory and a “do not use water” notice. To learn more about these advisory levels and their impact, visit the Government of British Columbia: Water quality notifications page.
For water quality notifications in your specific health authority, visit:
- First Nations Health Authority
- Fraser Health
- Interior Health
- Island Health
- Northern Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health
Food safety and inspections
Food safety and inspections in British Columbia are managed by health authorities, ensuring food is safe to eat and that food premises comply with regulatory requirements to protect public health. Learn more about provincial food safety and security on the Government of British Columbia: Food Safety & Security web page.
For your specific health authority specific information, visit:
Health authority news releases
For latest updates from your health authority, see:
- BC Centre for Disease Control
- BC Children's Hospital
- First Nations Health Authority
- Fraser Health
- Island Health
- Interior Health
- Northern Health
- Provincial Health Services Authority
- Vancouver Coastal Health
Health services
The HealthLink BC Directory provides listings for health services provided by the provincial government, provincial health authorities, and non-profit agencies across the province. You can search for walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, mental health programs, home care programs, pharmacy services, laboratory services, and more. To start searching, visit HealthLink BC Directory.
Mental health and substance use
Mental health and substance use concerns can affect many British Columbians whether they are family, neighbors or co-workers. To learn more, visit the HealthLinkBC Mental Health and Substance Use page. Services available provincially include the following:
- Complex care housing
- Crisis and Information Lines
- Government of British Columbia: Find Services Near You
- Here to Help
- Organizations Supporting Mental Health and Substance Use in B.C.
For health authority specific services and resources, visit:
- First Nations Health Authority: Mental Health and Wellness Support
- Fraser Health
- Interior Health: Mental Health and Substance Use
- Island Health: Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Northern Health: Mental health and substance use
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Mental health and substance use
Warming centres
EmergencyInfoBC will share verified cold weather event information during emergencies, including cold weather advisories and warming centres. See the BC Housing website for shelter information throughout BC. For emergency warming centres, public warming spaces, and Emergency Support Services reception centres, visit: http://EmergencyMapBC.ca.
For other cold weather-related resources, see our Your health this winter health feature and our Hypothermia and Cold Temperature Exposure topic.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
In Canada, most food recalls are coordinated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Depending on the level of risk, the CFIA will issue a warning to the public. Below are the latest recalls issued by the CFIA.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible norovirus contamination.
Select Cucumbers recalled due to Salmonella.
The food recall warning issued on 2024-12-02 has been updated to include an additional product (marked with *). This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s food safety investigation.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
This food recall warning is a follow up to the Consumer advisory issued on November 28, 2024.
Elbalad brand Chickpeas recalled due to container integrity defects and spoilage.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to natural toxin amygdalin.
Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) helps to protect the health and safety of all Canadians. Its activities focus on preventing chronic diseases, preventing injuries, and responding to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. Below are the latest health updates provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
1 new measles case was reported by 1 jurisdiction (Ontario) in week 49.
No new measles cases were reported in Canada in week 48.
7 new measles cases were reported by 2 jurisdictions (New Brunswick, Ontario) in week 47.
Read about: Updated guidance on human papillomavirus vaccines, Mycobacterium tuberculosis pseudo-outbreak, paediatric tuberculosis in First Nations communities
1 new measles case was reported by 1 jurisdiction (New Brunswick) in week 46.