Victoria told not to worry about superbug

A superbug has been found in the systems of 18 people who died in Victoria, but people are being told not to worry about using hospitals.

Since 2012, 57 Victorians have been found with a Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemase infection or to be carrying the bacteria without symptoms of illness.

Eighteen people have died with KPC in their systems but authorities do not believe it was the sole cause of the deaths.

"I do want to assure all Victorians that there is not a broad public health risk in respect of this bacteria," Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.

"However we are taking seriously the need to make sure we improve surveillance (and) infection control."