Tularemia, unspecified
ICD-10 A21.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tularemia, unspecified.
Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is classified as a zoonotic infection due to its transmission from animals to humans. The disease can manifest in various forms, including ulceroglandular, glandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, and pneumonic, depending on the route of exposure. Common transmission vectors include ticks, deer flies, and contact with infected animals, particularly rabbits and rodents. Humans can contract tularemia through bites, inhalation of contaminated aerosols, or direct contact with infected tissues. The clinical presentation can vary widely, with symptoms ranging from fever, chills, and fatigue to more severe manifestations such as pneumonia or septicemia. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through serological tests or culture of the organism. Public health considerations are paramount, as tularemia is a potential bioterrorism agent and can lead to outbreaks in specific geographic areas. Surveillance and control measures are essential to prevent transmission, especially in endemic regions.
Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment plans must be documented.
Patients presenting with fever and lymphadenopathy after exposure to wildlife.
Ensure that all potential exposure routes are documented to support the diagnosis.
Surveillance data and outbreak reports must be accurately recorded.
Investigation of clusters of tularemia cases in specific geographic areas.
Collaboration with epidemiologists to ensure accurate reporting and coding.
When laboratory confirmation of tularemia is required.
Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion of tularemia.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure that cultures are properly labeled and processed.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, pneumonia or skin ulcers depending on the route of infection.
Tularemia is primarily transmitted through bites from infected ticks or deer flies, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of contaminated aerosols.
The primary treatment for tularemia is antibiotics, with streptomycin being the first-line therapy. Other antibiotics such as doxycycline may also be effective.
