Illness Outbreak Contained At Paramus Nursing Home: State

PARAMUS, NJ - A gastrointestinal outbreak at an assisted living center in Paramus is now contained, according to the state Department of Health.

Following the onset of cases at CareOne on Dec. 15, the state health Department's Communicable Disease Service received notification about the outbreak on Dec. 19 from the Paramus Board of Health, state Health Department spokeswoman Donna Leusner said.

On Monday afternoon, Leusner said 17 residents and six staff members have fallen ill. She also added that the last date that someone became sick was on Saturday.

Since the outbreak began, the 110-bed long-term facility reported to the state that they are taking "control measures" and that "the illness is contained," she said.

Standard infection control measures that have been implemented include: limiting resident movement, enhanced environmental cleaning, emphasizing hand hygiene for residents, staff and visitors and requiring the staff to wear gloves and other protective equipment while treating patients with symptoms, Leusner said.

According to NorthJersey.com, a patient at CareOne said sick residents experienced vomiting and diarrhea after the outbreak began and all residents were served food on Styrofoam dishes in their rooms, instead of in the dining room.