Adenovirus Outbreak in New Jersey- Confirmed Death of 11 children

According to the States Department of health on Friday, 11 children had faced death due to Adenovirus outbreak in New Jersey.  About 30 were admitted in connection with adenovirus outbreak in this place.  The children were suffering from a poor immune system and many of them had poor breathing function, who needed assistance for their breathing.

However, according to Dr. Shereef Elnahal, commissioner of New Jersey Department of Health, limitations in the facilities to separate the sick from the other infants� as the major reason for the deaths.  But immediately after the deaths, this mistake has been rectified. 

The outbreak in the Wanaque and New Jersey was adenovirus type7, extremely severe strain,  with an acute respiratory symptom.    The child with a weakened immune system has a higher risk of this disease.  The recovered child remain contagious even after their recovery, for a long period of time.

Adenovirus is a highly contagious infection, that spread in air through coughing or sneezing.  Adenovirus spread through the touch of a contaminated person or a place, where disinfectants will have no effects.

The symptoms of adenovirus are very mild as it was only symptoms of common cold, the only extra symptoms may be inflammation of the lower bronchi of the lungs, which is hard to find.  In rare cases it infects the brain and spinal cord, leading to meningitis.  It even affects the conjunctiva of the eyes making it pink and urinary tract infections may also be caused in some cases. An outbreak of this virus in 1997 shows more than 350 people have been affected. Though a vaccine against adenovirus of strains 4 and 7 have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it�s availability is limited only for the military members.

The best way to prevent from spreading of this virus is by avoiding physical contacts and proper washing of hands should be ensured with antiseptic solutions.