Public Health

Current Health Issues

• Influenza Vaccination
  The flu is a serious illness that takes its toll on people in schools, hospitals and other workplaces every year. Getting the flu shot is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu.
• Pandemic Influenza
  An influenza pandemic may occur when an influenza virus radically changes and can easily infect humans, and against which people have little or no immunity. Preparing in advance and knowing the proper health protection measures can help safeguard your and your family's health if this type of event occurs in B.C.
• Avian Influenza
  Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds (chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pet birds and wild birds).
• West Nile Virus
  West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus. In nature it is normally passed between mosquitoes and birds.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
  The Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control are currently monitoring the recent cases of SARS reported in China by the World Health Organization.
• Drinking Water
  Safe drinking water is essential for human health and survival. It is used for human consumption, food preparation, or other normal household purposes.
• For information on mad cow disease see Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.