An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has occurred in Edinburgh, reveals a recent report, which has caused four people to contract the same.

The report has found that the disease is caused by sources of water like rivers and lakes or manmade sources such as air conditioning systems. Also, the bacteria is found sometimes in artificial water supply systems and cooling towers.

While the source of the outbreak is not yet known, environmental health officials have been investigating the same.

As per the findings, four men of ages 39, 48, 60 and 63 years have been hospitalized after contracting the same. It is being said that three are seriously ill and are in intensive care, whereas one is in a high dependency unit.

Also, four others, including two women, 49 each and two men 88 and 63 respectively, are being suspected to have the same.

Health experts say that the disease is not transmissible, but can be easily developed by breathing in droplets of contaminated water. They suggest that any person with symptoms like muscle pain, fever or mild headaches or diarrhea should contact NHS 24 immediately.