Officials identify 26th case of adenovirus at NJ pediatric facility

<p>New Jersey health officials say they've confirmed another case of adenovirus in an outbreak at a pediatric rehabilitation center that left nine people dead.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 30, 2018, 12:21 AM

Updated 2,250 days ago

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Officials identify 26th case of adenovirus at NJ pediatric facility
New Jersey health officials say they've confirmed another case of adenovirus in an outbreak at a pediatric rehabilitation center that left nine people dead.
The Health Department said in a statement Monday the new diagnosis brings the total number of adenovirus cases at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation to 26. The agency says the most recent individual became sick on or before Oct. 22, which remains the last day when a patient showed new symptoms.
There have been eight pediatric deaths associated with the outbreak and at least one young adult, according to officials. The outbreak won't be declared over until the center can go four weeks without patients being newly infected.
The Health Department also announced Monday that officials are sending infection-control teams to four long-term pediatric centers and a hospital to assist with training. 
Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal says that the teams will assess infection prevention practices and deploy beginning in November.
They will deploy to University Hospital in Newark; the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell; the Voorhees Pediatric Facility, and the Children's Specialized Hospital, with locations in Toms River and Mountainside.
In addition to the nine deaths at Wanaque Center, a premature baby died after contracting a bacterial infections at University Hospital. The exact cause of death is under investigation.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.