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.
Drug poisonings are increasing in Greater Nanaimo. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
The Public Health Agency of Canada issued a statement on Monday confirming the end of a multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak in Canada that began in October 2024, and affected 10 provinces and territories, including British Columbia (BC).
Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Kootenays and surrounding area. Down containing high amounts of fluorofentanyl and medetomidine. Multiple overdoses reported.
With this year’s respiratory illness season underway, people in British Columbia will continue to get safe and effective free vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses.
Vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease are also available.
Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Kamloops and surrounding area. Multiple samples of ‘down’ of varying colors containing extremely high amounts of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues and/or medetomidine.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, RSV vaccine will be available free to adults 75 and older, residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities who are 75 and older and First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals 60 and older as part of a time-limited program BC is offering
Interior Health (IH) is restoring Tuesday emergency service hours at the South Similkameen Health Centre (SSHC) in Keremeos, improving access to care in the community following successful physician recruitment.
Interior Health’s Medical Health Officer is advising Harrop and area residents not to consume mushrooms sold at the Harrop Community Hall on Sept. 20, 2026.
Interior Health (IH) is advising people in the Kootenay Lake region to avoid contact with skunks and take precautions following confirmation of rabies in a skunk in the area.
The start of a new school year can bring excitement, uncertainty and new experiences for children and youth. For some families, it may also be a time when a young person shares more about their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
B.C. Ministry of Health
Last updated: November 14, 2025
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.
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.
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:
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:
For latest updates from your health authority, see:
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 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:
For health authority specific services and resources, visit:
BC Housing supports three types of emergency shelters serving people experiencing homelessness:
Visit the BC Housing shelter program fact sheet (PDF, 130KB) and learn more through BC Housing's Emergency Shelter Program. To find an emergency shelter visit the visit the shelter map.
EmergencyInfoBC will share verified cold weather event information during emergencies, including cold weather advisories and warming centres.
You can also visit the EmergencyInfoBC live map for information on warming centres, public warming spaces, and Emergency Support Services reception centres.
For other cold weather-related resources visit the Your health this winter health feature. You can also learn more about Cold weather resources for emergency planning and response - Province of British Columbia.
EmergencyInfoBC will share verified hot weather event information during emergencies, including extreme heat advisories and cooling centres. In response to extreme heat, First Nations and local governments in affected areas may open emergency cooling centres or general cooling spaces. Locations may be listed on EmergencyMapBC at the discretion of local governments. If cooling locations are not listed on the map in your area, contact your Band office or local government. See the BC Housing website for shelter information throughout BC.
For other heat-related resources, visit the Beat the Heat and Your health this summer health features. Additional information is also available on the Government of British Columbia: Be prepared for extreme heat and drought webpage.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
