The Minnesota Department of Health added three cases of Legionnaires' disease to the list of confirmed cases related to an outbreak in the suburban community of Hopkins, according to CBS Minnesota. The total number of individuals infected in the outbreak is now at 20. One person has died.
The deceased individual was reportedly elderly, although the individual's exact age and gender remain undisclosed. Those sickened in the outbreak range in age from 20s to 90s. Some are in serious condition and suffer from comorbidities. All cases consist of individuals who either live in, work in or visited Hopkins prior to falling ill.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is not spread by person-to-person contact or by drinking water, but can be contracted by inhaling mist from infected water sources such as cooling misters and plumbing systems.
MDH is currently conducting an investigation to determine the source of the infection.
To learn more about Legionnaires' and Legionella bacteria, click here.
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