Seven children are now dead because of a severe and life-threatening virus outbreak at a New Jersey facility that was reported this week, according to state health officials. The seventh child died on Monday night.

The state Department of Health says it is investigating a total of 18 adenovirus cases at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, Passaic County. Of those 18 cases, there have been seven deaths of pediatric residents, according to the Department of Health. "The strain of adenovirus seen in this outbreak is associated with communal living arrangements and known to cause severe illness," said Donna Leusner, a spokeswoman for the health department. "The department continues to work very closely with the facility to ensure that all infection control measures are being followed. An outbreak investigation, with assistance from the CDC, is ongoing."

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was "heartbroken" by the news and that he's praying for the full recovery of the other children impacted. He said the Department of Health has recommended measures to enhance protections against the further spread of infection, and will continue its active on-site surveillance. "I am confident that the steps being taken by state and local officials will minimize the impact to all those who remain at the facility, including patients and employees," he said. The facility has been instructed not to admit any new patients until the outbreak ends and the Wanaque Center is in full compliance with medically appropriate standards, officials said.



The Wanaque Center is a professional nursing home, rehabilitation center and pediatrics center which offers short- and long-term care in a secure and caring environment, according to its website. The Wanaque Center says it has a "highly skilled" team of experts who work with medically fragile children in its pediatrics center. "Our dedicated staff embraces children from newborn to 22 years of age and individualizes each child's program to maximize their capabilities," according to the site.

A health department team, meanwhile, was at the facility Tuesday 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, officials said.



This is an ongoing outbreak investigation, health officials said.

Administrator Rowena Bautista issued a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging that the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has recently experienced some cases of adenovirus in its pediatric unit. "The facility promptly notified all appropriate government agencies when the virus was initially identified, including the New Jersey Department of Health, The Passaic County Department of Health, The Communicable Disease Service and the Centers for Disease Control. The Wanaque Center continues to fully cooperate with these agencies and has sought out their medical guidance with respect to the virus. As a result, facility staff have diligently implemented all available infection control and prevention measures in order to protect the health and safety of the Wanaque Center's residents."