In response to an adenovirus outbreak that has claimed nine lives in Passaic County, the New Jersey Department of Health is now sending infection control teams around the state.

State health officials confirm they are now investigating 26 cases.

The teams were also sent in response to other deficiencies found at University Hospital in Newark.

The teams were to visit Voorhees Pediatric Facility and Children’s Specialized Hospitals in Toms River as well as Mountainside.

All 26 cases are currently connected to the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, and the department has been investigating deficiencies there.

The commissioner of health says, "Facility outbreaks are not always preventable, but in response to what we have seen in Wanaque, we are taking aggressive steps to minimize the chance they occur among the most vulnerable patients in New Jersey."