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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
To learn more about the coronavirus, including its symptoms, how it spreads, and prevention, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health feature.
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 
June 7, 2023
There's always potential for extended hot temperatures in the summer. Here's what you can do to ensure you and your family remain safe and healthy this summer.
June 6, 2023
Unattached pregnant patients in the Kamloops area can now access the Midwifery Antenatal Care Clinic in Royal Inland Hospital to receive ongoing care before birth.
June 5, 2023
It’s the time of year when the weather is getting warmer, heating up recently to summer-like temperatures in the B.C. Interior, and with that comes to the obvious desire to jump into a lake to cool down and have fun.
May 31, 2023
Beginning June 1, 2023, B.C. residents can get assessed by a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and get prescriptions for contraceptives. You may get a prescription, advice for self-care or to see another health care professional for further assessment.
May 29, 2023
Interior Health has issued a DRUG ALERT for Penticton as a sample of white crystals and powder sold as Methamphetamine was found to contain Fentanyl. There is a extreme risk of overdose and very high risk of fatal overdose.
May 25, 2023
DOWN with very high concentrations of fentanyl and benzodiazepines
May 23, 2023
Safe Boating Awareness Week is an annual public health event in Canada because, while boating can be one of summer's most enjoyable activities, it can also be one of the most dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken.
May 18, 2023
Here are the best ways to be aware of the hazards posed by wildfire smoke
May 16, 2023
Wildfire season is upon us, and it is important to be prepared. Even if you think your family or home is safe from the threat of wildfires or other inclement weather (like flooding) it’s always better to be prepared.
May 15, 2023
Northern Health is preparing in response to expanded evacuation alerts and orders resulting from wildfire activity in the Peace region and preparing accordingly for any impact on local health services.
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 B.C. will benefit from sustained cutting-edge research, especially focused on improving health care, as the Province provides $20 million over two years to the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC).
More people in Delta and surrounding area will have access to high-quality long-term care as Fraser Health prepares to build a new care community with 200 beds.
The Province and Fraser Health are taking action to improve access to health care for people in Surrey by providing immediate assistance with further help available in the coming months and planning underway to expand the hospital.
Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, has issued the following statement in recognition of B.C. Seniors’ Week, June 5-11, 2023:
Seriously ill children and their families receiving care at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will benefit from improved care and services as the Province invests $4.5 million to renovate and upgrade the Vancouver hospice facility.
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
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.
COVID-19
For information about COVID-19 from your local health authority, see:
- First Nations Health Authority: COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
- Fraser Health: COVID-19
- Interior Health: Information you can trust about COVID-19
- Island Health: COVID-19
- Northern Health: COVID-19 information
- Vancouver Coastal Health: COVID-19
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
Influenza
- ImmunizeBC, Find an Influenza (Flu) Clinic
- First Nations Health Authority
- Fraser Health Authority
- Interior Health Authority
- Island Health Authority
- Northern Health Authority
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
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: May 10, 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 Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The recalled product has been sold in Ontario.
G Fuel brand Energy Drinks recalled due to high levels of caffeine.
The recalled products have been sold nationally and online.
Kootenay Meadows brand Nostrala Firm Surface-Ripened Organic Cheese recalled due to Staphylococcus aureus and generic E. coli.
The recalled product has been sold in British Columbia and Alberta.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The recalled product has been sold in Alberta, Saskatchewan and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace because it may contain milk which is not declared on the label.
The recalled product has been sold in British Colombia and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
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.
In week 22 (week ending June 3, 2023) in Canada, participating RVDSS laboratories reported 2,257 detections of SARS-CoV-2 from 26,681 tests (8.5% positive). Among non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses, where test volumes are lower (range of 4,984 to 16,128 tests), activity of nearly all viruses is within or below expected levels.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 21, 2023.
In week 21 (week ending May 27, 2023) in Canada, participating RVDSS laboratories reported 2,438 detections of SARS-CoV-2 from 26,751 tests (9.1% positive). Among non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses, where test volumes are lower (range of 4,615 to 16,241 tests), activity of all viruses is within or below expected levels.
In Canada, no new cases of measles or rubella were reported in week 20, 2023.
At the national level, influenza activity has been stable and remains at interseasonal levels. Sporadic influenza activity continues to be reported in many regions across Canada.