Public Health Alerts
Public Health Alerts
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 
December 1, 2023
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.
December 1, 2023
Potential Measles Exposure at Vancouver International Airport on November 23
December 1, 2023
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.
November 30, 2023
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).
November 30, 2023
You deserve to be heard. We’re here to listen. A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
November 29, 2023
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.
November 29, 2023
Travellers are being alerted about a potential exposure to measles on flights and at Vancouver International Airport on November 23.
November 24, 2023
This week is National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov. 19-25), a time to reflect on substance use, a complex and far-reaching health issue.
November 24, 2023
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.
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.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day and Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week:
Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) services will soon be available for people within a Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) clinical space adjacent to St. Paul’s Hospital.
People in Rutland will see increased access to team-based health care with a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) and a community health centre (CHC).
Health-care workers and patients benefit from safer work environments as the Province fulfils its commitment to recruit 320 new relational security officers throughout B.C. as part of the new security model announced in 2022.
Seniors in 25 communities throughout B.C. will benefit from grants for policies and projects that will support leading active and independent lives in their communities.
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.
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.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Various brands of cantaloupe and fresh fruit products recalled due to Salmonella.
The food recall warning issued on 2023-11-17 has been updated to include additional product information, marked by an asterisk (*). This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s food safety investigation.
The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Fresh Start Foods brand Cantaloupe recalled due to Salmonella.
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.
At the national level, influenza activity has crossed the seasonal threshold, indicating the start of influenza season. Most surveillance indicators are increasing but remain within expected levels typical of this time of year.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 46, 2023.
In week 47 (week ending November 25, 2023) in Canada, participating RVDSS laboratories reported 8,137 detections of SARS-CoV-2 from 42,135 tests (19.3% positive). Among non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses, where test volumes are lower (range of 8,423 to 28,421 tests), activity of both flu and RSV has increased in recent weeks, as is expected at this time of year.
At the national level, influenza activity is increasing and has crossed the seasonal threshold of 5% positivity. If percent positivity remains above this threshold next week, the start of the influenza season will be declared. Most surveillance indicators are increasing but remain within expected levels typical of this time of year.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 45, 2023.