Sylvatic rabies

This code represents a severe, acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus, specifically acquired from wild animals. It is characterized by progressive neurological symptoms, including behavioral changes, paralysis, and ultimately death, if untreated. The infection is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected wild mammal.

Use this code for confirmed cases of rabies where the source of infection is documented as a wild animal (e.g., bat, fox, raccoon, skunk). Documentation should clearly indicate the diagnosis of rabies and specify the sylvatic origin, often through a history of exposure to a wild animal. This code is appropriate for both symptomatic disease and confirmed exposure requiring post-exposure prophylaxis.

• Differentiate from urban rabies (A82.1), which is transmitted by domestic animals, primarily dogs.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation specifies "sylvatic" or clearly indicates a wild animal as the source of exposure/infection.