BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- An inmate was administered to Kern Medical Center with symptoms related to the H1N1 virus the Kern County Sheriff's Department reported.

On Thursday, the KCSD said that an inmate from the Lerdo Minimum Facility was sent to Kern Medical Center with severe flu-like symptoms that they believe could be H1N1.

Medical tests to determine the nature of the illness are pending at this time.

Despite the unknown nature of the inmate’s illness, the KCSD is implementing pre-planned precautions at its jails to increase screening of inmates for-flu like symptoms.

To protect the public, staff and inmates against influenza, including the H1N1 virus, during visiting, the KCSD would like to remind the public of the following precautions and recommendations regarding visiting at sheriff’s department jail facilities:

• Persons with symptoms of the flu (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) will not be allowed to visit. Do not come to the facility for visiting if you have such symptoms.

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors before and after visitation.

• Individuals under the age of 18 are not recommended to visit KCSO jail facilities during the current flu season.

• Visitors are strongly encouraged to observe proper hygiene and cough etiquette during visitation, including cleansing hands prior to and following touching your eyes, nose or mouth; cover your cough with tissue or sneeze into your elbow; and cleanse your hands following any contact with respiratory tract secretions.

At this time, visiting at KCSD jail facilities will continue according to the normal schedule.