An emergency nurse identifies a patient with a high fever, a rash that started on the face and spread to the trunk, and Koplik spots inside the mouth. Recognizing these symptoms as indicative of a reportable disease, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in accordance with mandatory reporting protocols?
Wait to report until after laboratory confirmation of the disease.
Notify only the hospital's infection control department.
Report the suspected case to the local or state health department.
Delay reporting until the patient has been discharged to reduce patient alarm.
These symptoms are indicative of measles, which is a highly contagious viral disease that is a reportable condition in every state. Health professionals are required to report suspected cases to the local or state health department immediately, often within 24 hours. While obtaining lab confirmation is a crucial step, the priority is to report the suspected disease to initiate public health interventions and prevent further transmission. Notifying only the infection control department or waiting to report the disease until after discharge may delay necessary immediate public health response.
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