Streptobacillary fever

This diagnosis code represents an infection caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, a gram-negative bacterium. It is characterized by fever, rash, and polyarthralgia, often following exposure to rodents or consumption of contaminated food or water. The condition is also known as Haverhill fever or rat-bite fever (when transmitted via a rat bite).

Assign this code for documented cases of streptobacillary fever, Haverhill fever, or rat-bite fever where Streptobacillus moniliformis is identified or strongly suspected as the causative agent. Supporting documentation should include clinical findings such as fever, rash, and joint pain, along with a history of rodent exposure or ingestion of unpasteurized milk/water.

• Differentiate from spirillary rat-bite fever (caused by Spirillum minus), which has a distinct code.
• Ensure documentation specifies the streptobacillary form if "rat-bite fever" is the only term used.
• Consider an additional code for the specific bite wound if applicable, especially for rat bites.