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Health officials are investigating a suspected case of measles after someone with the symptoms of the infection has presented in an emergency room in Pomona.
If confirmed, it would be the eighth case of measles among Los Angeles County residents, who reported an outbreak of highly contagious disease.
The patient under investigation went to the emergency room at the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center on Thursday night and underwent tests to determine her diagnosis. The person was sent home after receiving treatment, in the opinion of the treating physician and public health officials of L.A. County, the hospital said in a statement.
The medical staff has not yet received the test results.
As soon as the hospital realized that the patient was potentially carrying the measles virus, masks were distributed to patients and staff. Emergencies remain open, but the lobby has been closed to newly arrived patients as a precaution, officials said.
"We are working closely with the Los Angeles County Public Health Department and are following all the protocols," said Darlene Scafiddi, vice-president of the hospital's nursing and patient care services, in a statement.
On Thursday, health officials announced that they had confirmed a seventh case of measles among locals in L.A., a week after reporting a home. Five other non-residents crossed the county while they were contagious.
The United States is currently experiencing the highest number of measles cases since 1994, with more than 700 confirmed cases nationwide on Monday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About 40 cases have been confirmed in California.
Orange County confirmed its first case of illness this week, with exhibition sites including a Fullerton cinema where many people attended the opening night of "Avengers: Endgame."
The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually appears 7 to 21 days after exposure.
People who have not been vaccinated and those with weakened immune systems are the most exposed. About 90% of unvaccinated individuals become ill 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Anyone who is not vaccinated against the highly infectious virus should talk to their health care provider.
Patients with measles symptoms are asked to call a hospital or treatment center before they arrive. Emergencies at the Pomona Valley Hospital are available at 909-865-9500.
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