Epidemic louse-borne typhus
ICD-10 A68.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of epidemic louse-borne typhus.
Epidemic louse-borne typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis). This disease is characterized by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and rash, which typically appears on the trunk and spreads to the extremities. The disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, renal failure, and even death if not treated promptly. Epidemic typhus is often associated with overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, making it more prevalent in areas experiencing war, famine, or natural disasters. The geographic distribution of epidemic louse-borne typhus is primarily in regions with poor hygiene and high population density, particularly in parts of Africa, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. The disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
Detailed clinical history, symptomatology, and exposure history.
Patients presenting with fever and rash after travel to endemic areas.
Consideration of co-infections and other rickettsial diseases.
Epidemiological data and outbreak reports.
Surveillance of outbreaks in crowded settings.
Focus on prevention strategies and community health education.
Used when laboratory confirmation of Rickettsia infection is required.
Laboratory results must be documented in the medical record.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing.
Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, myalgia, and a rash that typically starts on the trunk and spreads to the extremities.
Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation, exposure history, and confirmed through serological tests or PCR for Rickettsia prowazekii.
