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 
June 28, 2024
Summer is here, bringing long days, warmer weather, vacations and outdoor activities.
June 27, 2024
As the temperatures rise and the festival season sets in; Island Health has health tips to ensure everyone has a fun, and safe, summer.
June 26, 2024
Drug poisonings are increasing in Port Alberni. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
June 26, 2024
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.
June 26, 2024
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
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.
June 20, 2024
An Extreme Heat Emergency is when daytime and nighttime temperatures get hotter every day and are well above seasonal norms.
June 19, 2024
***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.
June 18, 2024
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.
June 13, 2024
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.
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.
Seniors living in Kelowna and throughout the Central Okanagan will have access to new and improved long-term care as Interior Health prepares to build a new care community at the Cottonwoods Care Centre.
Seniors in Kelowna will have more care options with the redevelopment of the long-term care facility at Mission Creek Landing, which will bring 140 new publicly funded long-term care beds to the Central Okanagan.
Patients can count on greater safety and care as 11 health-profession regulatory colleges have been amalgamated into two, setting the foundation for more robust regulation of health professionals.
A year into the 10-Year Cancer Care Action Plan to build capacity and expand access to cancer-care services to meet growing demand, more people in B.C. are benefiting from expanded screening, more access to diagnostic tests and better treatment.
People living in Surrey have better access to health-care services as the Province delivers results at Surrey Memorial Hospital and outpatient centres as part of the 30-point plan to support patients and health-care providers.
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.
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 product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.
Ewald Theod. Drathen brand Liebfraumilch 2022 Qualitätswein Rheinhessen (White Wine) recalled due to possible refermentation.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it contains peanut which is not declared on the label.
Casablanca Classics brand Pure Coconut Water with Pulp recalled due to undeclared sulphites.
MTL Gringo brand Black Bean and Corn Salsas recalled due to the deterioration of inner lid.
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.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 24, 2024.
Read about: HPV vaccination schedules, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, vaccine uptake in essential non-healthcare workers
Read about: HPV vaccination schedules, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, vaccine uptake in essential non-healthcare workers
In week 25, the percentage of tests positive for influenza was 1.0% and a total of 160 laboratory detections (114 influenza A and 46 influenza B) were reported.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 23, 2024.