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 
April 30, 2024
VCH has issued a drug alert. Clear crystals sold as ketamine in Vancouver tested positive for levamisole, a veterinary drug that can cause adverse effects when taken by humans. Substance tested negative for ketamine.
April 30, 2024
Fatal overdoses are increasing in Williams Lake and Area. Learn more about the Williams Lake Drug Poisoning Overdose Alert that has been issued.
April 26, 2024
There have been multiple non fatal drug poisonings (overdoses) in the South Okanagan. In effect until May 3rd 2024.
April 26, 2024
B.C. is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks. It’s part of several new measures introduced by the Province, focused on providing police with more tools to address public safety while offering support and access to treatment for people living with addictions.
April 25, 2024
Overdoses are increasing in Greater Victoria, Sooke, and West Shore. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
April 23, 2024
With measles circulating internationally, Island Health is encouraging everyone to ensure their routine immunizations are up to date to lift collective immunization rates this National Immunization Awareness Week (April 22 to 30).
April 19, 2024
Northern Health is issuing an overdose advisory for the community of Terrace due to an increase in drug poisoning/overdose events.
April 19, 2024
Northern Health is issuing an overdose advisory for the community of Prince George due to an increase in drug poisoning/overdose events.
April 19, 2024
Chilliwack and area residents will have improved access to team-based urgent and primary care in the evenings and on weekends with the opening of a new Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).
April 18, 2024
Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ADVISORY for Vernon after an increase in occurrences of xylazine found in DOWN.
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 accessing health care will benefit from a stronger workforce as the Province further invests in recruitment, retention and training initiatives for allied health and clinical support workers.
B.C. is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement on National Immunization Awareness Week, April 22-30, 2024:
Chilliwack and area residents will have improved access to team-based urgent and primary care in the evenings and on weekends with the opening of a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC).
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of Medical Laboratory Week, April 14-20, 2024:
Last Updated: January 14, 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
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.
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.
Centennial Food Service brand Ground Pork recalled due to pieces of metal.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it contains milk and soy which are not declared on the label.
The food recall warning issued on 2024/04/25 has been updated to include additional distribution information. 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.
One World Foods brand Cajun BBQ Chicken Burgers recalled due to undeclared egg and soy.
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, 6 new cases of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in week 16, 2024.
In week 16, the percentage of tests positive for influenza was 6.4% and a total of 1,647 laboratory detections (348 influenza A and 1,299 influenza B) were reported.
In week 16 (week ending April 20, 2024) in Canada, percent positivity is currently highest for enterovirus/rhinovirus among respiratory viruses under surveillance.
In Canada, 5 new cases of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in week 15, 2024.
In week 15, the percentage of tests positive for influenza was 7.8% and a total of 2,254 laboratory detections (525 influenza A and 1,729 influenza B) were reported.