Public Health Alerts
Public Health Alerts
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 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.
April 18, 2024
If you choose to use cannabis on 4/20 or beyond, it's important to know the risks associated with cannabis use so you can stay healthy, well and safe.
April 18, 2024
***Drug Alert - West Kootenays - April 18, 2024*** Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ADVISORY for West Kootenays after multiple samples of down were found to have high concentrations of fluorofentanyl and bromazolam.
April 17, 2024
White crystals sold as down in the DTES of Vancouver tested positive for 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and negative for fentanyl and other opioid.
April 17, 2024
Overdoses are increasing in Mt. Waddington. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
April 16, 2024
The 14th of April, 2024, marked eight years since British Columbia (BC) declared a public health emergency due to increased drug poisonings. Since then, more than 14,000 people have died due to toxic substances.
April 16, 2024
Advance care planning (ACP) is about thinking ahead and writing down what’s important to you so your loved ones and health-care team can honour your wishes if you’re unable to speak for yourself. It can begin at any stage of life and can be revisited throughout your life journey.
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 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:
People are one step closer to accessing enhanced cancer care services as a business plan for the new BC Cancer centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) has been approved.
Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, has issued the following statement in recognition of Advance Care Planning Day on Tuesday, April 16, 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.
One World Foods brand Cajun BBQ Chicken Burgers recalled due to undeclared egg and soy.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it contains gluten which is not declared on the label.
Freybe brand Pepperoni Smoked Sausage Sticks Original recalled due to pieces of metal.
Lakeview Gluten-Free Bakery brand Morning Glory Muffins recalled due to undeclared egg.
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 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.
In week 15 (week ending April 13, 2024) in Canada, percent positivity is currently highest for influenza among respiratory viruses under surveillance.
In Canada, 8 new cases of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in week 14, 2024.
At the national level, most indicators of influenza activity are generally decreasing and are within or below expected levels typical of this time of year.
In week 14 (week ending April 6, 2024) in Canada, participating RVDSS laboratories reported 1,369 detections of SARS-CoV-2 from 28,886 tests (4.7% positive). Among non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses, activity of influenza is highest.