Seventh child has died at New Jersey health facility

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Another child from a Wanaque long-term care facility died Tuesday night, the New Jersey Health Department confirmed Wednesday morning.

The child is the seventh to die this month from an outbreak of adenovirus at the facility that treats severely debilitated and medically fragile children.

The state Department of Health announced Tuesday six patients had died at the long-term care facility and 12 others were sick with the virus.

The Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has been barred from admitting new patients until the outbreak ends, the department said.

Health Department investigators returned to the facility Tuesday after a visit Sunday, during which they found “minor handwashing deficiencies.” The state was notified of respiratory illnesses at the center in the Haskell section of the borough Oct. 9. Most of the affected patients were under the age of 18, the Health Department said.

Two unions that represent nurses and other health care workers at the for-profit facility criticized management and ownership for poor working conditions.

“Since new for-profit ownership took over at Wanaque Center in 2014, workers have expressed serious concerns over worsening staffing levels, lack of adequate supplies, and severe cutbacks to job standards,” said Ron McCalla, a vice president of 1199SEIU, which represents 136 workers at the facility.

Facility staffers referred questions Wednesday to Braithwaite Communications, a Philadelphia-based marketing agency whose services include crisis communication. The company did not immediately respond to calls or emails on Wednesday afternoon.

The facility is owned by a private corporation, Wanaque Nursing & Rehabilitation, whose officers are listed as Daniel Bruckstein and Eugene Ehrenfeld. The two are listed as officers in seven other care facilities across New Jersey.

Adenoviruses are common viruses that affect the lining of the airways, intestines, eyes or urinary tract and are responsible for some colds, coughs, sore throats, pinkeye and diarrhea. Usually the illnesses are mild, but for people with weakened immune systems they can be deadly.

Those who live or work near the center expressed sympathy for the families of the children. “It’s a shame,” said Mike Borer of Westwood at a Ringwood Ave. strip mall near center. “They’re just starting their lives.”