Shigellosis due to Shigella sonnei

This code identifies an acute bacterial infection of the intestines caused specifically by the Shigella sonnei bacterium. It typically presents with symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), fever, abdominal cramps, and tenesmus, indicating an inflammatory colitis.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of shigellosis and laboratory confirmation identifies Shigella sonnei as the causative agent. This is common in outbreaks or individual cases where specific pathogen identification is performed.

• Ensure the medical record clearly specifies Shigella sonnei as the etiology; otherwise, use a less specific shigellosis code.
• Do not confuse with other types of shigellosis (e.g., Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri) which have distinct codes.
• Code any associated symptoms (e.g., dehydration, abdominal pain) as secondary diagnoses if they meet reporting criteria.