2025 ICD-10-CM code A66.8
Latent yaws is a stage of yaws infection without visible symptoms, but with positive serology, indicating prior exposure and the possibility of future reactivation.
Medical necessity for treatment of latent yaws is based on the potential for reactivation and subsequent development of symptomatic yaws, which can cause significant morbidity.Treatment aims to eradicate the infection and prevent long-term complications.
Clinicians diagnose latent yaws based on patient history, potential exposure in endemic areas, and positive serological tests.Treatment typically involves antibiotics like penicillin or alternatives for penicillin-allergic individuals, to prevent potential reactivation. Patient education about transmission and preventive measures is also crucial, particularly for travelers to affected regions.
In simple words: Latent yaws is a hidden stage of yaws, a tropical skin disease.You may not have any sores or other signs of illness, but a blood test shows you've been infected.The infection could become active again later on, causing skin problems.
Latent yaws refers to a stage of yaws infection where the individual does not exhibit any clinical signs or symptoms but has a positive serological test, indicating the presence of antibodies against the causative bacterium, Treponema pallidum pertenue.This stage represents a period of subclinical infection where the bacteria may persist in the body and potentially reactivate, causing symptomatic yaws at a later time.
Example 1: A child living in a rural tropical area with poor sanitation has a positive serological test for yaws, but no skin lesions or other symptoms.The child is diagnosed with latent yaws and treated with antibiotics., An adult who grew up in a yaws-endemic region but now lives elsewhere presents with a history of past yaws infection.Serological testing confirms latent yaws, and preventative treatment is considered., A traveler returning from a tropical region develops skin lesions characteristic of yaws.Serological tests on family members reveal latent yaws in one child, who is then treated to prevent disease progression.
Documentation should include details of the patient's travel history or residence in a yaws-endemic area, results of serological tests for yaws, absence of clinical signs and symptoms, and any administered treatment.
** Latent yaws is crucial to diagnose and treat to prevent disease progression and transmission.Public health initiatives focusing on improved sanitation and hygiene in endemic regions are essential for long-term yaws control and potential eradication.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Travel Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Public Health Clinic,Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home, Inpatient Hospital (if admitted for other reasons), Outpatient Hospital (if seen for other reasons)