Pneumonic plague
Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
ICD-10 A20.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pneumonic plague.
Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal. This form of plague can develop from septicemic plague or can occur as a primary infection in the lungs. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, often progressing rapidly to respiratory failure if not treated promptly. Pneumonic plague is highly contagious and poses a significant public health risk, particularly in areas where the disease is endemic. The disease can be fatal if not treated with appropriate antibiotics within 24 hours of symptom onset. Public health measures focus on surveillance, rapid identification of cases, and containment strategies to prevent outbreaks, especially in zoonotic reservoirs such as rodents and their fleas, which are the primary vectors of Yersinia pestis. Understanding the transmission dynamics and implementing effective control measures are crucial for managing pneumonic plague outbreaks.
Detailed clinical notes on symptomatology, exposure history, and treatment response.
Diagnosis and management of suspected or confirmed pneumonic plague cases.
Need for thorough documentation of public health notifications and outbreak management.
Immediate documentation of presenting symptoms, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.
Patients presenting with acute respiratory symptoms and a history of potential exposure.
Rapid assessment and documentation are critical for timely intervention.
Used for confirming Yersinia pestis in suspected cases.
Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure proper specimen handling.
Pneumonic plague is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal. It can also occur as a result of direct contact with infected tissues or fluids.
