5 cases of Legionnaires' disease in Hopkins

Courtesy: CDC

Five cases of Legionnaires' disease, a respiratory disease, have been reported in the city of Hopkins, according to city officials. The people involved either live or work in Hopkins.

The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating the source of the outbreak. The city's water is safe and is not the cause.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Legionnaires' disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila, which is found in water. The disease is not spread person-to-person, but by inhaling fine spray or aerosols from water that contains the bacteria.

Legionnaires' can cause pneumonia-like symptoms, which include: cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and fever.

People older than 50 years old, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung problems have an increased risk of developing Legionnaires.

For more information about Legionnaires' disease, click here.