Infection-Control Teams Sent to New Jersey Pediatric Centers

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey health officials said Monday they are sending infection-control teams to four long-term pediatric centers and a hospital to assist with training amid viral and bacterial outbreaks that have left 10 people dead. The teams will assess infection prevention practices and deploy beginning in November, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. The response comes amid a fatal adenovirus outbreak at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation that left 9 people dead, most under age 18. In addition, a premature baby died following the discovery of a bacterial infection at Newark's University Hospital this month, state health officials have said. "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," Elnahal said in a statement. Those affected at the Wanaque center range in age from toddlers to young adults. Adenovirus usually poses little risk for healthy people and typically causes mild cold or flu symptoms. Some strains also cause diarrhea and pinkeye. The strain found in the rehab center outbreak — type 7 — is among the more potent types and sometimes causes more serious respiratory illness, especially among those with weak immune systems. The first symptoms showed up Sept. 26, and the state was notified of an outbreak Oct. 9, officials said. The department said...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Patient Care News Source Type: news