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 
July 17, 2024
Overdoses are increasing in Greater Victoria. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
July 17, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Canada has recently issued or continued heat warnings for communities across the Northern Health region. Daytime high temperatures in the 30s with overnight lows in the mid teens are expected to last through the weekend, and in some regions into next week. More details on the alerts are available here.
July 15, 2024
Fraser Health is warning the public about risks associated with Ayurvedic medicines and opium products that may be contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic and other toxins following two recent cases of lead poisoning likely associated with consuming Ayurvedic medicines or opium-containing products.
July 12, 2024
BC is experiencing higher annual summer temperatures and more extremely hot days due to climate change. Because of this, there’s an increased likelihood of more extreme heat events like the 2021 heat dome. This is why it’s critical for people to understand the risk, prepare for hotter conditions, and know where to access support.
July 10, 2024
When a natural disaster such as a wildfire or flood strikes, people are often forced to stay in their homes or evacuate immediately.
July 10, 2024
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
July 8, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for the Prince George and Stuart Nechako areas, as well as recent warnings for the Cariboo-North including Quesnel. Daytime high temperatures in the 30’s combined with overnight lows in the mid-teens are expected through at least Wednesday of this week, and in some cases the end of the week. More details on the alerts are available here.
July 7, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Canada has expanded the heat warning to include the following regions in Island Health:
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.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has released the following statement in response to the global system disruption that is affecting many health-authority-owned facilities:
Women will have improved access to cancer care as the Province expands gynecological oncology surgical services to new regions and strengthens the teams providing care with more staff, including new gynecological oncologists.
People living in and around Nanaimo will have increased access to health care with a second urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) to open in 2025.
Patients in Nanaimo are receiving faster diagnostics and benefiting from a state-of-the-art new hybrid Gamma SPECT-CT camera.
British Columbia’s provincial health officer has issued followup recommendations in a report to government in response to the toxic-drug crisis.
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 due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may contain milk which is not declared on the label.
The food recall warning issued on 2024-07-06 has been updated to include additional product information, marked by an asterisk (*).
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
President's Choice brand Cheddar Jalapeño Smokies recalled due to nitrile glove pieces.
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 27, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 26, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 26, 2024.
In Canada, 1 new case of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in week 25, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 24, 2024.