7th Child Dies In Adenovirus Outbreak At N.J. Rehab Center

HASKELL, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The New Jersey Department of Health announced Wednesday that a seventh child has died as a result of an outbreak of adenovirus at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The health department said the child was one of the 18 previously confirmed cases of the virus.

"Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that often cause mild illness, particularly in young children," Department of Health director of communications Donna Leusner told CBS 2. "Unfortunately, the particular strain of adenovirus in this outbreak is affecting medically fragile children with severely compromised immune systems. The strain has been particularly associated with disease in communal living arrangements and can be more severe."

"The strain of adenovirus seen in this outbreak is associated with communal living arrangements and known to cause severe illness," the Department of Health said in a statement. "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 Officials Address Death Of 7 Children At Health Facility

The Passaic County facility has been instructed to not admit any new patients until the outbreak ends.

An inspection team dispatched to the facility on Sunday found minor hand-washing deficiencies, the health department said. A team was sent back Tuesday.

The facility treats children with already compromised immune systems. Doctors say the general public is not in danger.