An outbreak of a blood infection has cropped up in the emergency department of the Seven Oaks General Hospital, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says.

Late in the day Friday the authority issued an advisory about the outbreak of infections caused by Serratia marcescens, described in a variety of medical texts as, essentially, a germ.

The authority said 40 cases have been recorded since it was first noticed in August.

The bacteria can cause fevers and chills, but can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Among the reported cases, some were serious but most people experienced only mild symptoms.

The authority also said that two infected patients with other serious medical conditions died, but their deaths were not linked to the infection.

While information about the outbreak was released shortly after 5 pm Friday, the authority said senior managers were informed about the situation Thursday afternoon.

"The Region wants to stress that the notification is being sent out of an abundance of caution and does not recommend individuals avoid the Seven Oaks Emergency Department as a result of this notification," the news release said. "Seven Oaks has all appropriate infection control procedures in place. Staff are aware of the symptoms and are monitoring all cases."

The release said staff were investigating to learn the source of the outbreak, but added it was probably growing somewhere in the area of the department.

Information about the bacteria indicates it thrives on soiled surfaces, but can persist in places that look clean.

The last reported case was on Dec. 1st.