Cholera due to vibrio cholerae el tor

This code describes an acute diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae biotype El Tor. It is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, potentially leading to hypovolemic shock if untreated. This specific code identifies the causative agent as El Tor, a common strain responsible for cholera pandemics.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of cholera and specifies Vibrio cholerae El Tor as the confirmed etiologic agent. This typically applies to cases confirmed by laboratory culture or PCR. Clinical scenarios include outbreaks, travel-related infections, or individual cases presenting with classic cholera symptoms where the specific El Tor biotype is identified.

• Ensure documentation specifies "El Tor" to use this particular subcategory; otherwise, a more general cholera code may be appropriate.
• Always code any associated manifestations or complications, such as severe dehydration (e.g., 276.51), as secondary diagnoses.
• Do not confuse with other diarrheal diseases or cholera due to unspecified Vibrio cholerae (001.9) if the specific biotype is known.