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
Beige granules sold as Down tested positive for high concentrations of Bromazolam (over 60%) and Fentanyl in Coquitlam. Friends, family, and community members using opioids may face increased risk of overdose from injection, inhalation and ingestion.
Overdoses are increasing in Nanaimo. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
Overdoses are increasing in Cowichan. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
Overdoses are increasing in North Vancouver Island. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
With measles outbreaks being reported internationally and spring break on the horizon, the provincial health officer, BC Centre for Disease Control and public health officials are reminding people in British Columbia to check their vaccination records before travelling to ensure they are protected.
People in Richmond are being alerted to a series of potential exposures to a case of measles acquired from outside Canada that resulted in exposure between Feb. 24 and March 2 at the following locations: Feb. 24 - March 2: Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7188 Westminster Highway, Richmond, and Feb. 26: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. – ICBC, 5300 No 3 Rd., Richmond.
Spring Break is coming up and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) experts are advising travellers not to forget their travel vaccines before heading out on holidays.
With measles outbreaks being reported internationally and spring break on the horizon, the provincial health officer, BC Centre for Disease Control and public health officials are reminding people in British Columbia to check their vaccination records before travelling to ensure they are protected.
There has been an increase in overdoses in Prince George. Overdoses may be linked to a brown and pink substance sold as DOWN, both testing positive for high concentrations of fentanyl and benzodiazepines causing sudden overdose and requiring a higher number of naloxone dosages.
Clear crystal shards sold as methamphetamine in Vancouver tested positive for ketamine and negative for methamphetamine.
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.