Levinson Axelrod, P.A.: Following Viral Outbreak and 11 Child Deaths, Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation is Forced to Comply with New Jersey Health Department Directives

HASKELL, N.J., Nov. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials from the New Jersey Department of Health have reported that the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation is complying with mandated requirements to address a viral outbreak at its facility in Haskell, NJ. According to officials, at least 34 children at the Wanaque Center's pediatrics unit have been exposed to the virus, and 11 children have died.

As public records indicate, the viral outbreak was first discovered in late September, when a child was diagnosed with a respiratory illness connected to the adenovirus, a viral infection that can cause various respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and lead to various flu and cold-like symptoms. It is most dangerous to those with compromised immune systems, including young children who are considered medically fragile.

Although the virus was first detected after a child at the Wanaque Center was diagnosed with a respiratory ailment on September 26, facility directors did not report a cluster of subsequent respiratory illnesses linked to the viral outbreak to the state health department until October 9, when multiple children had already been exposed to the virus, at least 2 children had already died as a result of exposure. The facility was also unable to separate children with weakened immune systems from other patients due to a lack of available space.

After responding to the string of deaths and reported illnesses, state health department officials required the Wanaque Center to separate immunocompromised children, and hire specialists with training in treating infectious diseases and controlling viral outbreaks. According to NJ Department of Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, the mandated requirements are intended to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable patients and children, many of who are already in fragile states of health. The Wanaque Center reportedly complied with the requirement to separate patients four days before the November 21^st deadline imposed by the state. Readmissions to the facility's pediatrics unit will be reevaluated as newly hired consultants begin working to address the problem.

Affected by the Viral Outbreak? Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Can Help.
Separating patients and hiring infectious disease consultants will be critical steps to managing the ongoing viral outbreak, but they are steps that come after many victims and families have already suffered harm and profound losses. As investigations and health department oversight continue, victims and families who have been affected will look to have many of their questions answered, including those regarding what led to the viral outbreak, whether the Wanaque Center was negligent in its handling and reporting of the problem, and whether they may have grounds to pursue civil medical malpractice lawsuits.

If you or any family member have been affected by the viral outbreak at the Wanaque Center's pediatrics unit, or if you have lost a child due to a viral infection at the facility, the award-winning medical malpractice lawyers at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. are available to help. Over the years, the firm's legal team has successfully resolved numerous challenging cases involving medical malpractice, physician and facility negligence, and preventable injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As the firm continues to stay close to ongoing investigations, it is offering free and confidential case evaluations to anyone who would like more information about their rights and whether they may have a potential case. You can contact the firm by calling (732) 440-3089 or visiting its website: www.njlawyers.com.

Levinson Axelrod, P.A. is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm that has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for victims and families in cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and abuse, workers' comp, and other personal injury and wrongful death matters. With multiple office locations staffed by Board Certified New Jersey trial lawyers and compassionate team members, the firm proudly serves residents throughout all 21 counties of New Jersey, and offers free case reviews to anyone with questions about their rights and options. Visit www.njlawyers.com for more information about the firm.

SOURCE Levinson Axelrod, P.A.

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