Tularaemia
ICD-10 A21.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tularaemia.
Tularaemia, also known as rabbit fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is primarily a zoonotic infection, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The disease can manifest in various forms, including ulceroglandular, glandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, and pneumonic, depending on the route of infection. Common transmission vectors include direct contact with infected animals, bites from infected insects (such as ticks and deer flies), inhalation of contaminated aerosols, or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, often accompanied by localized symptoms depending on the form of the disease. Public health considerations are significant due to the potential for outbreaks, particularly in areas where wildlife is prevalent. Surveillance and control measures are essential to prevent transmission, especially in occupational settings where individuals may come into contact with infected animals. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are crucial for effective management of the disease.
Detailed patient history including exposure risks, symptom onset, and laboratory results.
Patients presenting with febrile illness after exposure to wildlife or insect bites.
Ensure all clinical forms of tularaemia are documented to support accurate coding.
Surveillance data, outbreak reports, and epidemiological studies.
Monitoring and reporting cases in endemic areas or during outbreaks.
Focus on community exposure risks and preventive measures.
When laboratory confirmation of tularaemia is needed.
Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion of tularaemia.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure proper specimen handling.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and localized symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes or respiratory issues, depending on the form of the disease.
Tularaemia is transmitted through contact with infected animals, bites from infected insects, inhalation of contaminated aerosols, or ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Tularaemia is typically treated with antibiotics such as streptomycin or doxycycline, and early treatment is crucial for effective management.
