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 
September 11, 2024
Vaccination is available and recommended for those at increased risk of mpox. The World Health Organization declared on Aug.14 that mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The virus has seen most of its rising cases in countries in Africa, however international travel has led to its spread on other continents, including North America.
September 10, 2024
Content warning: This message contains sensitive topics. For crisis support here in BC, please contact the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 / visit our Mental Health and Wellness Support page for additional support services.
September 5, 2024
There have been a number of overdoses with severe outcomes in the Trail area. West Kootenays drug checking services have recently detected high concentrations of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, methylfentanyl, xylazine (tranquilizer) and benzodiazepines in down.
September 4, 2024
People living with alcohol or opioid use disorder now have a way to directly and quickly access addiction medicine specialists.
September 4, 2024
Island Health - Drug poisonings are increasing in Capital Regional District. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
September 3, 2024
The Province is moving forward with new guidelines to protect students and reduce the risks and harms of toxic-drug poisonings.
August 30, 2024
Overdoses are increasing in Mt. Waddington. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.
August 30, 2024
With warm weather in the forecast for the Labour Day long weekend and many people looking for ways to cool off, Public Health officials at Vancouver Coastal Health warn the public that a “Not suitable for swimming” advisory remains in place for Alice Lake near Squamish, due to a bloom of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria.
August 29, 2024
You may have heard a parent or grandparent say, “I used to walk a mile to school in minus 35 weather.” Walking to school was a necessity before the widespread use of vehicles and school buses.
August 29, 2024
As children and families prepare for the start of a new school year, BC Children’s Hospital is reminding parents and caregivers about the impact this transition can have on children, including increased anxiety and depression.
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.
People in Penticton soon will have more care options with the approval of a new long-term care (LTC) residence with 200 beds.
More people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest will receive life-saving support as the Province makes automated external defibrillators (AED) more widely available in several B.C. communities, launching in Prince George.
On Sept. 10, 2023, three people in Vancouver were attacked and Blair Donnelly, a patient at the BC Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) who was on unescorted leave, was arrested and subsequently charged with three counts of assault with a weapon.
Data collected by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) shows sacrifices and protective steps taken by self-advocates, families, home-sharing providers and service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an overall positive health outcome for the population Community Living BC (CLBC) serves.
People living on Salt Spring Island will benefit from enhanced patient-centered care as the Lady Minto Hospital emergency department expansion nears completion.
Last Updated: June 11, 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
Places to keep cool
When it’s too hot outside, many public places and municipal buildings can offer you a place to cool down. Local community centres, malls, pools and libraries usually have air-conditioned areas open to the public. Most communities in British Columbia 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.
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
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.
Kirkland Signature brand Greek Yogurt (24 pack) recalled due to mould.
Classic Philly Steak brand Sandwich Slices Seasoned Glazed Beef recalled due to off odour.
A & W brand Chicken Breast Portion Fully Cooked Breaded, Seasoned Boneless, Skinless, Fillets Removed recalled due to undercooking.
PC Blue Menu brand Original Margarine and Margarine with Olive Oil recalled due to possible mould.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may contain milk which is not declared on the label.
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.
Social prescribing in Canada: linking the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion with health care's Quintuple Aim for a collaborative approach to health; Leveraging integrated youth services for social prescribing: a case study of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario; Social prescribing needs and priorities of older adults in Canada: a qualitative analysis
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 35, 2024.
In Canada, 1 new case of measles and no new cases of rubella were reported in week 34, 2024.
In week 34, the percentage of tests positive for influenza was 0.3% and a total of 57 laboratory detections (47 influenza A and 10 influenza B) were reported.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 33, 2024.