Lassa fever
ICD-10 A32.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lassa fever.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the Arenaviridae family. It is endemic in parts of West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats, which are common in these regions. Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and can range from mild to severe, including fever, weakness, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, Lassa fever can lead to hemorrhagic manifestations, multi-organ failure, and death. The case fatality rate varies but can be as high as 15% in hospitalized patients. Diagnosis is often confirmed through serological tests or PCR assays. Treatment primarily involves supportive care, and the antiviral drug ribavirin has shown efficacy if administered early in the course of the disease. Preventive measures focus on rodent control and minimizing contact with potentially infected materials.
Detailed patient history, exposure risk assessment, and laboratory results.
Patients presenting with fever and travel history to endemic areas.
Ensure thorough documentation of symptom onset and progression.
Immediate assessment of symptoms, travel history, and initial lab tests.
Patients with acute febrile illness and potential exposure to Lassa virus.
Rapid identification and isolation protocols to prevent transmission.
Used for confirming Lassa virus infection in symptomatic patients.
Document the reason for testing, including symptoms and exposure history.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of clinical findings.
Symptoms include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding and multi-organ failure.
Diagnosis is confirmed through serological tests or PCR assays, along with a thorough patient history.
