An outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce has prompted a Public Health Notice from Health Canada, though Pembina Valley residents may not need to worry.

Dr. Michael Routledge, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud explains romaine lettuce contaminated with E. coli has been reported in New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec, adding to a total of 19 confirmed cases. Residents of those areas have been advised to avoid eating romaine lettuce altogether. The cause of the contamination is still under investigation.

While the risk is ongoing in those provinces and parts of the U.S, Health Canada says there's no evidence suggesting residents in Manitoba will be effected.

"That's not to say there's no risk, certainly it's possible the contaminant in lettuce has made its way into Manitoba, but we don't have evidence of that right now."

While washing lettuce is a good habit, Routledge notes it doesn't eliminate the risk of contamination. The best assurance is still throwing it out, he says.