2025 ICD-10-CM code A20.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Certain zoonotic bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Bubonic plague.
Medical necessity for treatment of bubonic plague is established by the confirmed presence of Yersinia pestis infection, typically through laboratory testing.The severity of the infection and the potential for serious complications justify the need for prompt medical intervention, including antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
Clinicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of bubonic plague, including swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Diagnosis involves laboratory testing, and treatment includes rehydration and antibiotics.Severe cases may require hospitalization. Vaccination is available for high-risk individuals.
In simple words: Bubonic plague is a serious bacterial infection of the lymph nodes caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It's typically acquired through the bite of infected fleas, contact with contaminated fluid or tissue, or inhaling airborne infectious droplets. Symptoms include swollen, painful lymph nodes (buboes), fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Severe cases can lead to weakness, shock, and even death.Diagnosis involves lab tests of blood, sputum, or pus from an infected lymph node to detect the bacteria. Treatment includes rehydration and antibiotics, with hospitalization necessary for complications. Vaccination is available for those at high risk.
Infection due to Yersinia pestis.
Example 1: A patient presents with painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, accompanied by fever, chills, and headache. Laboratory tests confirm the presence of Yersinia pestis., A field researcher working in an endemic area develops symptoms consistent with bubonic plague after being bitten by fleas., A person handling infected animal tissue develops a skin lesion and subsequent systemic symptoms, including fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Documentation should include the patient's presenting symptoms, physical exam findings (especially the presence and location of buboes), laboratory results confirming the presence of Yersinia pestis, and details of the treatment provided.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Emergency Room - Hospital