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 
October 29, 2024
Travellers are being alerted to potential exposure to measles on flights to and from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on October 16.
October 25, 2024
Today, Fraser Health launched our annual influenza and COVID-19 immunization campaign to raise awareness in the region about the importance of getting both vaccines.
October 24, 2024
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has released the following statement about the BC Coroners Service report about illicit drug-toxicity deaths in August and September 2024: Today, B.C. mourns the loss of 187 and 183 people to toxic drugs in August and September respectively. They were brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
October 24, 2024
Unregulated toxic drugs claimed the lives of 187 British Columbians in August and 183 in September, according to the BC Coroners Service.
October 22, 2024
Updated vaccines that protect against the latest influenza strains and COVID-19 variants circulating are available for people in B.C. to help protect families, communities and the health-care system.
October 10, 2024
For World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), this year's theme is “prioritizing mental health in the workplace." It's a great opportunity to check in with our colleagues, our loved ones, and ourselves, about mental health and wellness. We can have conversations around our wholistic well-being and the steps we can take to nurture our spirit.
October 7, 2024
A copy of the full notification to accompany this release can be found here. Questions and answers are posted here. to reach the Support Centre, please call 1-844-723-6518 between the hours of 7:00 am – 3:00 pm Pacific time, Monday to Friday, or email cyberincident@fnha.ca. Emails can be sent at any time and a representative will respond within 48 hours of reading it during the Support Centre’s operating hours.
October 7, 2024
Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations |VANCOUVER – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has concluded its investigation of a cybersecurity incident that occurred on May 13, 2024, and is notifying First Nations people in BC if and how they have been impacted.
October 4, 2024
In Canada, National Breastfeeding Week is Oct. 1-7. At the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), we celebrate all opportunities to talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, and we honour all families who are taking care of little ones though life's challenges.
October 4, 2024
There has been an increase in overdoses in the community of Prince George. With colder temperatures, the risk of overdose can increase due to isolation and decreased tolerance due to the impacts of cold weather on the body. Identify safe locations to use, such as a local OPS or with a friend.
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.
Updated vaccines that protect against the latest influenza strains and COVID-19 variants circulating are available for people in B.C. to help protect families, communities and the health-care system.
People in Fort St. James will soon have enhanced access to high-quality health care as the new hospital and health centre nears substantial completion.
Patients will experience improved care and nurses will experience a stronger health-care system as the Province and BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) have now established nurse-to-patient ratios for the majority of hospital settings.
More than 248,000 people have been connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner since the Health Connect Registry launched provincewide in July 2023.
People in Penticton soon will have more care options with the approval of a new long-term care (LTC) residence with 200 beds.
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
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.
Country Traditions Frozen Food Outlet brand Homestyle Waffles recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The food recall warning issued on 2024-10-18 has been updated to include additional product and store information, marked by an asterisk (*). 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 Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace because they contain egg which is not declared on the label.
Haribo brand Tangfastics (Gummy Candies) recalled due to pieces of wood.
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 41, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 40, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 39, 2024.
Cardiovascular diseases in Quebec health administrative databases: missing diagnoses and underestimation of the number of cases in a 28-year prospective cohort; Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental healthrelated hospitalization rate of youth in Canada: an interrupted time series analysis
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 38, 2024.