Whooping cough due to bordetella parapertussis [B. parapertussis]

This code specifies pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, when the causative agent is Bordetella parapertussis. This is a bacterial respiratory infection characterized by paroxysmal coughing, often followed by a characteristic "whooping" sound during inspiration. While similar to Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis typically causes a milder, though still significant, clinical course.

Apply this code when documentation clearly identifies Bordetella parapertussis as the etiologic agent for a patient presenting with whooping cough symptoms. This diagnosis is typically confirmed via laboratory testing, such as PCR or culture, distinguishing it from other Bordetella species. Use for both initial and subsequent encounters related to this specific infection.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly names Bordetella parapertussis as the causative organism; do not assume based on symptoms alone.
• Differentiate from unspecified pertussis (033.9) or pertussis due to Bordetella pertussis (033.0).
• Consider an additional code for any associated complications, such as pneumonia, if documented.