Adenovirus NJ Outbreak News
On November 1, 2018, the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) reported that another adenovirus case had been confirmed in an ongoing outbreak at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. To date, a total of 28 confirmed pediatric adenovirus cases have been associated with the outbreak, resulting in 10 deaths. Illness onset dates related to this outbreak range from September 25, 2018 through October 30, 2018.
According to the DOH, the Wanaque facility will not admit new residents while the outbreak is ongoing. In addition, a DOH Communicable Disease Service staff member is on site at the facility to monitor the outbreak.
About Adenovirus
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adenoviruses can cause a range of illnesses including cold-like symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pink eye (conjunctivitis),fever, bladder inflammation or infection, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and neurological disease. People of any age group can contract adenovirus, however, those with weakened immune systems, or existing respiratory or cardiac disease, are at a greater risk of developing severe illness from an adenovirus infection.
Adenoviruses are spread from an infected person to others through close personal contact, e.g., shaking hands; through the air by coughing and sneezing; and by touching a contamined surface or object and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Frequent handwashing is especially important in childcare settings and healthcare facilities. Please see CDC Adenovirus Safety Tips to learn how to protect yourself and others from adenovirus infection.
DOH Outbreak Efforts
In a DOH news release, Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal stated “We are working closely with the facility to conduct respiratory illness surveillance and ensure all infection control protocols are continuously followed. We are also engaging in discussions with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on standards for these facilities.” Please see 11-1-18 DOH News Release to read the entire DOH statement.
Hospital-Associated Infection (HAI) Lawsuit Information
The Weinberg Law Firm is currently assisting victims of Hospital-Associated Infections (HIA). If you or a loved one was injured as the result of an HAI and you would like more information regarding your legal rights, please contact our firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Please see C Diff Lawsuit and Acinetobacter Outbreak to learn about our additional legal services.
