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 
November 27, 2024
Northern Health has issued a Drug Advisory for Prince George. A pressed, white, 8mg tablet sold as Dilaudid/Dilly tested positive for fentanyl. The pill looks very similar to a prescription Dilaudid or Hydromorphone. Please take care.
November 26, 2024
An extensive, multi-agency public-health investigation into an avian influenza case involving a B.C. teenager has identified no additional cases nor evidence of human-to-human transmission.
November 25, 2024
Drug checking results from Nelson and area indicate that the down supply is unpredictable. Drug checking continues to detect high concentrations of fentanyl and various benzodiazepines. Xylazine is also sometimes present in the mix.
November 22, 2024
Northern Health has issued a Toxic Drug Alert for Prince George. A brown drug sold as fentanyl and a purple drug sold as “down” have been linked to an increase in overdoses. The purple drug has tested positive for benzos and xylazine. These drugs cause rapid, heavy, and prolonged sedation. Overdoses occur when the drugs are smoked and/or injected.
November 19, 2024
People living in the coastal regions of British Columbia, as well as in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior, can expect stormy weather and strong winds starting Tuesday, Nov. 19 and extending through Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.
November 9, 2024
An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.
November 8, 2024
A new Canadian study shows that radon exposure is on the rise. The study, led by Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, found that almost one in five homes in Canada has radon levels above the Canadian radon guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³).
November 8, 2024
Interior Heath has issued a DRUG POISONING OVERDOSE ALERT for Williams Lake and surrounding area due to increased fatal and ongoing non-fatal drug poisoning overdoses.
November 1, 2024
Northern Health has issued a Toxic Drug Alert for Prince George. A purple drug sold as “down” has tested positive for high levels of fentanyl and bromazolam (benzodiazepine), and has been linked to an increase in overdoses in the community of Prince George. Overdoses are occurring when the drug is smoked and injected.
October 31, 2024
Myth: I should only get checked for diabetes if I have symptoms.
Truth: Many people with diabetes don't have symptoms. Catching diabetes early can prevent damage from high blood sugars. Getting checked regularly is the best first step for protection.
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.
People in Terrace and surrounding areas now have access to the new state-of-the-art Ksyen Regional Hospital, which opened Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.
An extensive, multi-agency public-health investigation into an avian influenza case involving a B.C. teenager has identified no additional cases nor evidence of human-to-human transmission.
An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.
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.
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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is advising consumers of the recall of SunFed brand whole fresh American cucumbers due to potential Salmonella contamination. SunFed Produce, LLC’s press release indicates that the implicated products were shipped to Canada.
The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the issuance of a Food Recall Warning, when required, for these products in Canada.
When a food is recalled, the CFIA will notify the public by posting recall information on the Recalls and safety alerts website and issuing a Food Recall Warning when required. Consumers are encouraged to sign up for food recall notifications.
For more information, refer to the company’s press release: Press release related to Voluntary Fresh Cucumber Recall
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The food recall warning issued on 2024-11-18 has been updated to include an additional product (marked with *) and to correct product information for one 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 E. coli O121 contamination.
Les Croissants d'Olivier Ltd. brand French Bread recalled due to pieces of metal.
This recall is linked to Sifto brand Hy·Grade Salt recalled due to pieces of metal, as the affected salt was used to make these recalled products.
Please refer to the Food Safety Investigation page for further details.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O121 contamination.
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 (New Brunswick) in week 46.
The distribution of hunger in Canadian youth; Characteristics of Canadians who use vaping products, by smoking status: findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey, 2020; Perceptions of overdose response hotlines and applications among rural and remote individuals who use drugs in Canada: a qualitative study
In Canada, 30 new cases of measles and 1 new case of rubella were reported in week 45, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 44, 2024.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 43, 2024.