Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis

This code represents an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, a form of African trypanosomiasis also known as East African sleeping sickness. It is characterized by a rapid progression of symptoms including fever, headache, myalgia, and often progresses to central nervous system involvement with neurological and psychiatric manifestations.

Assign this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis. This diagnosis is typically established through microscopic identification of trypanosomes in blood, lymph node aspirate, or cerebrospinal fluid, or by serological testing. Use this code for active infections, not for historical or resolved cases.

• Differentiate carefully from Gambiense trypanosomiasis, which has a distinct code.
• Ensure documentation specifies the rhodesiense subspecies; otherwise, an unspecified code may be necessary.
• Code any associated neurological or systemic manifestations separately, if applicable and clearly documented.