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 
VCH has issued a drug alert. White powder sold as DMT in Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and AMB-FUBINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, and negative for DMT. Substance has caused overdose.
Potential Measles Exposure at Vancouver International Airport on November 23
December 1 update: The Public Health Agency has posted an update on the outbreak of Salmonella linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes. More products have also been recalled due to Salmonella risk.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. Help is also available through Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and the Hope for Wellness Help Line (1-855-242-3310).
You deserve to be heard. We’re here to listen. A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Overdoses are increasing in Greater Victoria and in the Westshore Community. Friends,
family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from
injection and inhalation.
Travellers are being alerted about a potential exposure to measles on flights and at Vancouver International Airport on November 23.
This week is National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov. 19-25), a time to reflect on substance use, a complex and far-reaching health issue.
We don't often think about it, but one of the most routine things many of us do – get around in vehicles, either by driving ourselves, or as passengers – is also one of the most dangerous.
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
Cooling Centres
When it's too hot outside, many public places and municipal buildings will offer you a chance to cool down. Local community centres, malls, pools and libraries usually have air-conditioned areas open to the public. Many communities have waterparks, wading pools and beaches where you can cool down. Local government websites often list community centres, fountains, libraries, swimming pools, water parks and wading pools.
If your local community is not listed, please call your local municipality or check their website to see where air-conditioned cooling centres are located. You can also contact your local library to see if they are open.
EmergencyInfoBC will share verified heat event information during emergencies, including heat warnings and cooling centres. See the BC Housing website for shelter information. For other heat-related resources, see our Beat the Heat health feature.
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
Last Updated: July 04, 2023
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.