Transcript for Virus outbreak strikes NJ medical facility, killing 6 children
We have several developing stories. The first involving children tonight, and an alarming headline breaking today. Six children dead at a pediatric care center. At least a dozen more infected. Authorities say this happened just outside New York City, in New Jersey, saying it began with a common virus that can cause flu-like symptoms. But they say this was a particularly severe form of that virus. And this strain targeted children who were already vulnerable. ABC’s whit Johnson is live tonight outside that pediatric center. Whit, what have you learned? Reporter: Well, David, health officials tonight are working hard to make sure this virus does not spread beyond the walls of this facility, as investigators are also working to determine what caused this outbreak to become so deadly. Tonight, scrutiny descending on this New Jersey medical facility, following a horrific tragedy striking the most vulnerable children. A viral outbreak spreading through the center, killing six, sickening 12 more. This virus is an incredibly common virus causing upper respiratory infections. It’s rare to see fatalities from such a common virus. Reporter: The wanaque center for nursing and rehabilitation has been instructed not to admit any new patients as the health department determines what causes this illness. An inspection revealed minor hand washing deficiencies. The facility reporting a severe case hitting the pediatric unit on October 9th. On their website, the facility says they provide lock-term care for medically fragile children, their immune systems severely compromised. The New Jersey department of health saying the combination of a worse strain of adenovirus, together with a fragile population, has led to a more severe outbreak. This particular strain, highly infectious, highly contagious and can absolutely cause severe Dez. Reporter: The center releasing a statement, saying it continues to fully cooperation with the agencies and has sought out their medical guy dense. And whit, authorities were just there on Sunday. Tonight, the Gove now says new measures are being put in place to make sure this virus doesn’t spread, including surveillance? Reporter: David, that’s right. The New Jersey health department is taking that extreme step, conducting that surveillance with multiple teams on site at the facility tonight. They are working with the staff, they are inspecting the facility. Also implementing some new safety procedures to try to make sure this outbreak doesn’t spread. David? All right, whit Johnson leading us off tonight. Whit, thank you.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
