PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
October 23, 2018

Shereef Elnahal
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Statement on adenovirus at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

The Department of Health today is confirming 18 cases of adenovirus among pediatric residents at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. Of these 18 cases, there have unfortunately been six deaths of pediatric residents.

The facility has been instructed not to admit any new patients until the outbreak ends and they are in full compliance.

A Department team is at the facility today and an inspection team was also there Sunday. The team on Sunday found minor handwashing deficiencies and the Health Department is continuing to work closely with the facility on infection control issues.

This is an on going outbreak investigation.

Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that often cause mild illness, particularly in young children.

Unfortunately, the particular strain of adenovirus (#7) in this outbreak is affecting medically fragile children with severely compromised immune systems. The strain has been particularly associated with disease in communal living arrangements and can be more severe.

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Last Reviewed: 10/23/2018