Relapsing fever, unspecified
ICD-10 A68.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of relapsing fever, unspecified.
Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection characterized by recurring episodes of fever, often caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia genus. The disease is transmitted primarily through the bites of infected lice or ticks, with Borrelia hermsii and Borrelia recurrentis being the most common pathogens. Clinically, patients present with sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache, and myalgia, which may resolve after a few days only to recur after a period of afebrile intervals. The condition is endemic in certain geographic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America, and some areas of Asia. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through serological tests or microscopic examination of blood smears. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics, with doxycycline being the first-line therapy. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type of relapsing fever is not documented, which may complicate treatment and epidemiological tracking.
Detailed patient history, including travel and exposure risks, laboratory results confirming diagnosis.
Patients presenting with recurrent fevers, particularly after travel to endemic areas.
Consideration of differential diagnoses and the need for specific laboratory tests.
Comprehensive patient history and symptom documentation, including fever patterns.
Initial evaluation of febrile patients with potential exposure to endemic areas.
Referral to specialists for confirmation and treatment may be necessary.
Used when a culture is taken to confirm the presence of Borrelia.
Document the source of the culture and clinical indications.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional tests.
Common symptoms include recurrent episodes of high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Symptoms typically resolve and recur in cycles.
