Pneumonic plague
Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
ICD-10 A20.2 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. It can also occur as a secondary complication of bubonic plague when the bacteria spread to the lungs. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing, often accompanied by chest pain and hemoptysis. Pneumonic plague is highly contagious and can lead to rapid deterioration and death if not treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics. The disease is classified as a zoonotic infection, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, with rodents and their fleas being the primary reservoirs. Public health measures are critical in controlling outbreaks, including surveillance, vaccination of at-risk populations, and education on avoiding contact with infected animals. Due to its potential for person-to-person transmission, pneumonic plague is considered a public health emergency and requires immediate reporting to health authorities.
Detailed patient history, including exposure to infected animals or individuals, and symptom progression.
Diagnosis and management of suspected pneumonic plague cases, especially in endemic areas.
Need for rapid diagnostic testing and treatment initiation.
Immediate assessment of respiratory symptoms and potential exposure history.
Patients presenting with acute respiratory distress and fever, particularly in outbreak settings.
Timely recognition and reporting to public health authorities.
Used for confirming Yersinia pestis infection in suspected cases.
Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion of pneumonic plague.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional tests for confirmation.
Pneumonic plague is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal. It can also occur as a secondary infection from bubonic plague.
