Pneumonic plague
Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
ICD-10 A20.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pneumonic plague.
Pneumonic plague is a severe form of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, primarily affecting the lungs. It is characterized by the rapid onset of fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing, often accompanied by chest pain and hemoptysis. Pneumonic plague can develop from untreated bubonic plague or can be transmitted directly from person to person through respiratory droplets. This zoonotic infection is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas, contact with infected animals, or inhalation of respiratory droplets from infected individuals. The disease is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory distress and death if not treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics. Public health measures are critical in controlling outbreaks, including surveillance, vector control, and education on avoiding contact with infected animals. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this life-threatening condition.
Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, exposure history, and treatment response.
Diagnosis and management of suspected plague cases, outbreak investigations.
Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis and justify the use of specific antibiotics.
Immediate assessment notes, including vital signs and initial treatment provided.
Patients presenting with acute respiratory symptoms and a history of potential exposure.
Timely documentation is crucial for coding and public health reporting.
Used when laboratory confirmation of Yersinia pestis is required.
Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion of pneumonic plague.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional tests to confirm diagnosis.
Pneumonic plague is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal, as well as through contact with infected tissues or fluids.
