New Jersey Department of Health

PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
October 25, 2018

Shereef Elnahal
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

10/25/18 Statement on adenovirus at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

A lab test has confirmed a 19th case of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. Of these 19 cases, there have been seven deaths.

The case occurred in a resident who had already been ill. The residents who have gotten sick are medically fragile children with compromised immune systems.

This 19th case became ill before October 22 which remains the most recent date of illness onset.  To date, confirmed cases became ill during September 26 to October 22.

The facility has agreed to cease new admissions for the duration of the outbreak.

This is an active investigation of an outbreak of adenovirus so it possible that lab tests will confirm additional cases. A Department of Health Communicable Disease Service staffer will be on site at the facility for the duration of the outbreak. The CDC is assisting with lab testing and expertise.  

Adenovirus is a respiratory virus which can cause mild or serious illness although serious illness is less common. Symptoms may include common cold, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pink eye, fever, bladder inflammation or infection, inflammation of the stomach and intestines and neurological disease. The strain of adenovirus seen in this outbreak is associated with communal living arrangements and is known to cause severe illness—especially in those with compromised immune systems.

The Department continues to work very closely with the facility to ensure that all infection control measures are being followed.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about adenovirus. 

Follow New Jersey Health Commissioner Elnahal on Twitter.

Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter@njdeptofhealth, Facebook/njdeptofhealth, Instagram@njdeptofhealth, and Snapchat@njdoh.