9th child dies from adenovirus outbreak at New Jersey facility

Another child has died a deadly virus outbreak in New Jersey, bringing the total number of deaths to nine, officials said Sunday. The state's Department of Health said the victim was a "medically fragile" child who had a confirmed case of adenovirus.

The unidentified child died Saturday evening at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, the department said. There have been 25 cases associated with the outbreak.

"This is a tragic situation, and our thoughts are with the families who are grieving right now," Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal said in a statement. "We are always working to ensure that the situation is maintained at all times."

Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that account for 5 to 10 percent of young children, but most patients recover. The infections can affect the tissues of the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, urinary tract and nervous system, causing the disease.

The children at Wanaque appear to be more likely to have serious medical conditions.

Children at the center are severely disabled, with some living in comas, and for many, it is their permanent home, the Bergen Record reports. Many will never walk or talk, and some will have their lives, according to the paper.