Rat-bite fever, unspecified

This code represents an acute systemic infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite or scratch of a rat or other rodent, or ingestion of contaminated food or water. It encompasses both Streptobacillary rat-bite fever (Haverhill fever) and Spirillary rat-bite fever (Sodoku) when the specific causative organism is not documented.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of rat-bite fever, but the specific bacterial etiology (e.g., Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus) is not specified. This code is appropriate for cases where the clinical picture is consistent with rat-bite fever, but laboratory confirmation of the specific pathogen is pending or unavailable.

• Avoid using this code if the specific organism (e.g., Streptobacillus moniliformis) is identified; instead, code to the more specific diagnosis.
• Ensure documentation clearly links symptoms (fever, rash, arthritis) to a reported rat bite or exposure.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter.