STATEMENT BY DR. MARK WADE, DIRECTOR OF THE NEWARK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND COMMMUNITY WELLNESS

“On Thursday, October 25, it was brought to our attention that a premature infant who had been cared for at University Hospital in Newark had an Acinetobacter bacteria at the time of their death. Unfortunately, the infant had a variety of other compounding medical conditions. Acinetobacter is a hospital-acquired infection with no community transmission. Rest assured, this does not pose a risk to the Newark community. Acinetobacter, the bacteria involved at University Hospital, and adenovirus, the virus to which multiple children were exposed and died from at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, are different and not related. The virus and the bacteria spread differently, but both can have adverse outcomes on patients with weakened immune systems.

“We understand that the New Jersey Department of Health has been in communication with University Hospital officials and are determining the cause of death. It is still an ongoing investigation.            

“We are concerned about the presence of Acinetobacter at University hospital. University Hospital officials have told us that they are working closely with the NJ Department of Health to control Acinetobacter and are employing all available methods to control any issues that may arise. The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue to carefully monitor the situation.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”

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- NEWARK -