2025 ICD-10-CM code B56.1

Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, also known as East African sleeping sickness, is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-).Excludes1: certain localized infections - see body system-related chapters. Excludes2: carrier or suspected carrier of infectious disease (Z22.-) infectious and parasitic diseases complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O98.-) infectious and parasitic diseases specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39) influenza and other acute respiratory infections (J00-J22).

Medical necessity is established by the confirmation of Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis through laboratory testing and clinical findings.

Diagnosis is based on history of exposure, physical examination, and symptoms. Laboratory tests include blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid culture, microscopic examination of fluids from lymph nodes, and biopsy of skin lesions. Treatment includes drugs such as suramin and melarsoprol.

In simple words: East African sleeping sickness is a serious disease spread by tsetse flies in East Africa. It causes fever, skin sores, swollen glands, weakness, aches, headaches, and confusion. If not treated, it can lead to coma and death.

Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, also called East African sleeping sickness, is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly, which is mainly found in East Africa. Patients usually present with fever, a characteristic painless skin chancre or lesion, enlarged lymph nodes, weakness, muscle ache, joint ache, headache, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, weight loss, and rash. If untreated, it may lead to coma and even death.

Example 1: A traveler returning from East Africa presents with fever, fatigue, and a painless skin lesion. Blood tests reveal the presence of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense., A patient in Uganda experiences headaches, muscle aches, and behavioral changes. A cerebrospinal fluid culture confirms Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis., A villager in Tanzania develops swollen lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss after being bitten by a tsetse fly. Microscopic examination of lymph node fluid confirms the presence of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

Documentation should include history of travel to East Africa, exposure to tsetse flies, symptoms, physical exam findings, and laboratory results confirming the presence of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

  • Specialties:Infectious Disease, Tropical Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office, Public Health Clinic, Rural Health Clinic
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