Orf virus disease

This code identifies a viral infection caused by the orf virus, a parapoxvirus, primarily affecting sheep and goats but transmissible to humans. The infection typically presents as a solitary, nodular lesion, often on the hands or fingers, which progresses through several stages including macule, papule, nodule, ulcer, and crust. It is also known as contagious pustular dermatitis or ecthyma contagiosum.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of orf virus disease in a human patient. This typically occurs after direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. Supporting documentation should describe the characteristic skin lesions and may include a history of exposure to sheep or goats.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "orf virus disease" to differentiate from other viral skin conditions.
• Do not confuse with other viral dermatoses like herpes simplex or molluscum contagiosum, which have different etiologies and clinical presentations.
• No specific laboratory confirmation is usually required for coding, as the diagnosis is often clinical based on characteristic lesions and exposure history.