Public Health Alerts

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.

Fraser Health Public Health is reminding people in our communities to purchase food exclusively from approved food service establishments.

Recent misinformation has raised concerns about the safety of acetaminophen (more commonly known as Tylenol) during pregnancy. These claims are not supported by scientific research. Acetaminophen is safe to use during pregnancy when taken as directed

There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Prince George with people reporting slowed heart rate and heavy and prolonged sedation requiring more naloxone to reverse. The reported substance is being sold as “down” or “heroin”.

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Cranbook and surrounding area for Light Green Chunks/Flakes sold as DOWN containing Carfentanil and Fentanyl.

Here’s what to keep in mind before hopping on one.
E-scooters are showing up everywhere, from neighbourhood streets to downtown sidewalks. They are quick, affordable and better for the environment than cars. But with their popularity comes a big question: are they safe?

Ministry of Health

Legislation is being tightened to allow greater recovery of health-care costs caused by wrongdoers, to further ensure these costs fall on them and not people in British Columbia.

B.C. Ministry of Health

As more cancer treatments are now being delivered faster in the province, BC Cancer will be ending its temporary program that was sending some patients to the U.S. for radiation therapy.

B.C. Ministry of Health

Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement in recognition of Public Health Week, April 7-11, 2025: 

B.C. Ministry of Health

More people living with substance-use challenges now have access to treatment and recovery with the opening of the new Northern BC Therapeutic Community in Prince George.

B.C. Ministry of Health

The Province is launching its health authority review to ensure resource allocations are supporting critical patient services and minimize unnecessary administrative spending.

B.C. Ministry of Health

Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, free additional COVID-19 vaccines will be available to people in B.C., with a focus on those who are at higher risk of severe illness.

B.C. Ministry of Health

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, has issued the following statement about the end of respiratory illness season:

B.C. Ministry of Health

Indigenous women with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges in and around Surrey will soon have access to safe, culturally supportive housing and wraparound services to help them with their recovery. 

B.C. Ministry of Health

More women living with substance-use challenges on Vancouver Island can benefit from more options to help them with their recovery through 20 newly opened substance-use treatment beds in Victoria.

B.C. Ministry of Health

From Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/media/cottonwoods-long-term-care-moves-closer-construction 

B.C. Ministry of Health

Last updated: November 14, 2025

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:

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:

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:

For health authority specific services and resources, visit:

Warming centres

BC Housing supports three types of emergency shelters serving people experiencing homelessness:

  • Year-round shelters
  • Temporary shelters
  • Extreme weather response (EWR) shelters 

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.

Cooling centres

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

BSA Wiberg brand “Shish Taouk Mariné Plus Sauce” recalled due to undeclared sesame.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible presence of pieces of plastic.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Superior Meats brand Premium Beef Jerky - Korean Smoked BBQ containing wheat recalled due to misleading gluten free claim.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Various brands of sandwiches, wraps and salads recalled due to Salmonella.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the affected products because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Capmartin Selection brand Lou Piaf 2024 recalled due to possible pieces of glass.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Krispy Kernels brand Vitality Dried Fruit, Nuts, Seeds and Yogurt recalled due to undeclared peanut.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Various brands of sandwiches and wraps recalled due to Salmonella.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it contains mustard which is not declared on the label.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Public Health Agency of Canada