Sealpox
ICD-10 B08.62 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sealpox.
Sealpox is a viral infection caused by the sealpox virus, which is a member of the Poxviridae family. This condition primarily affects seals but can occasionally infect humans, particularly those who have close contact with marine mammals. The clinical presentation in humans may include localized skin lesions resembling those of other poxviruses, such as smallpox or molluscum contagiosum. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with lesions typically appearing as raised, fluid-filled blisters that can crust over. In some cases, systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy may also occur. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by a history of exposure to infected seals or contaminated environments. Laboratory confirmation can be achieved through PCR testing or serological assays. Vaccination against sealpox is not routinely available, and management is generally supportive, focusing on symptom relief and preventing secondary bacterial infections. Complications, although rare, can include severe skin infections or systemic spread in immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the epidemiology and transmission routes of sealpox is crucial for prevention and control measures, especially in occupational settings involving marine wildlife.
Detailed patient history including exposure to marine mammals, clinical presentation, and laboratory results.
Patients presenting with skin lesions after contact with seals or marine environments.
Consideration of differential diagnoses and the need for laboratory confirmation.
Photographic evidence of lesions, detailed descriptions of lesion morphology, and patient history.
Patients with atypical pox-like lesions requiring differential diagnosis.
Awareness of zoonotic infections and their implications for treatment.
Used when laboratory confirmation of sealpox is required.
Laboratory results must be included in the medical record.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure proper testing protocols are followed.
Common symptoms include localized skin lesions that resemble blisters, fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy. The lesions may crust over and can vary in severity.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on exposure history and symptom presentation, but can be confirmed through laboratory testing such as PCR.
Currently, there is no routine vaccination available for sealpox, making prevention reliant on minimizing exposure to infected seals.
