TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The Latest on a viral outbreak at a pediatric center that killed seven people (all times local):
4:45 p.m.
The pediatric center where a severe viral outbreak left seven young people dead says it's offering grief counseling and a round-the-clock hotline for those affected.
Rowena Bautista, the administrator of the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, said Thursday in a statement the community "feels a tremendous sense of loss."
She also said the center is working with the state Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to offering professional grief counselors and setting up a 24/7 hotline.
The number is being shared with families, but not the public.
There have been 19 cases of adenovirus at the center.
Health Commissioner Dr. Shereer Elnahal said the first symptoms showed up Sept. 26, and the state was notified of an outbreak Oct. 9.
The center did not provide any new details on the timeline of the events at the center, including how and when families were notified.
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1:40 p.m.
New Jersey health officials say tests have confirmed a 19th patient has been infected in a viral outbreak at a pediatric rehabilitation center that has killed seven people.
Health Department spokeswoman Donna Leusner said Thursday the person had already been ill so the diagnosis does not necessarily mean the virus is still spreading.
State officials say the outbreak won't be declared over until the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation can go four weeks without any new cases of people being infected with a germ called adenovirus 7.
The seven who died this month were children and at least one young adult, all in a respiratory unit where patients receive long-term help with breathing.
Adenovirus usually poses little risk for healthy people.
The for-profit facility has a pediatric center and also cares for elderly residents.
