Editor’s note: Authorities updated the death toll to seven killed in the viral outbreak as of early Wednesday morning.
Six children have died in what officials are calling a “severe” viral outbreak at one New Jersey long-term care facility.
The rash of adenovirus cases was reported this week at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. State officials have subsequently ordered the facility shut down to new patients, NJ.com reports.
The Department of Health has reported 18 cases of the illness, which mimics flu- and cold-like symptoms, and can pose serious complications. Those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable, and the outbreak among the facility’s pediatric population included some children on ventilators and trachea tubes.
Wanaque Center Administrator Rowena Bautista, RN, said in a statement the facility “promptly notified all appropriate government agencies when the virus was initially identified.” She added that staffers at the facility — which has 227 beds and also serves adult nursing home residents — “have diligently implemented all available infection control and prevention measures in order to protect the health and safety of the Wanaque Center’s residents.”
Department officials did not specify when the virus broke out, nor when the children died. An initial inspection found some “minor handwashing” deficiencies, with state officials working with the home “on infection control issues.” Health experts said in the report that death from the adenovirus is uncommon.
A state elected official is calling for an investigation.
