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?
Notify only the hospital's infection control department.
Wait to report until after laboratory confirmation of the disease.
Delay reporting until the patient has been discharged to reduce patient alarm.
Report the suspected case to the local or state health department.