Scrub typhus

This code represents scrub typhus, an acute febrile illness caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, rash, and often a distinctive eschar at the site of the chigger bite. The disease can range from mild to severe, potentially involving organ systems such as the lungs, heart, and central nervous system.

Use this code for confirmed or highly suspected cases of scrub typhus, particularly in patients with a history of exposure to endemic areas (e.g., rural Asia, Pacific islands, northern Australia) and presenting with characteristic symptoms. Documentation should clearly indicate a diagnosis of scrub typhus, often supported by serological tests, PCR, or the presence of a classic eschar.

• Differentiate from other rickettsial infections; this code is specific to Orientia tsutsugamushi.
• Ensure documentation specifies "scrub typhus" and not a general "typhus" or "rickettsial infection."
• Consider sequencing this as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, with any associated complications coded secondarily.