Death Toll Rises to 11 Children in New Jersey Adenovirus Outbreak

An 11th child associated with an adenovirus outbreak at a New Jersey rehabilitation center, has passed away, state officials said Friday. 

The child passed Thursday night at a local hospital, according to reports.  

The outbreak at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, spread to 34 children, who became ill between Sept. 26 and Nov. 12, after being "associated" with an adenovirus outbreak, according to state health officials. 

The outbreak has led the rehabilitation center to stop accepting new patients while they investigate the outbreak, with officials asking the facility to separate residents who are ill, from those who are showing no symptoms to prevent a further spread of the disease. 

"The Department placed these requirements on the facility to ensure a safer environment for these immunocompromised children," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal.  "We have determined that separating ill patients from asymptomatic residents is among the most important measures to prevent further spread of the virus."

Adenovirus symptoms and illnessess can range widely, with some including cold-like symptoms, pneumonia, and sore throat. For people who are immunocompromised, or those with certain respiratory diseases, the illness can be quite severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

One staff member was also diagnosed with the adenovirus, but has since recovered. 

"The grief from the loss of a child is overwhelming and we extend our deepest sympathies to this family and all of the families who have had to endure these terrible losses," Dr. Elnahal added.



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