Plague meningitis

This code represents a severe, life-threatening bacterial infection of the meninges caused by Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague. It signifies the central nervous system manifestation of plague, characterized by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of plague meningitis. This typically occurs in patients presenting with symptoms of meningitis (e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, altered mental status) in conjunction with a confirmed or highly suspected Yersinia pestis infection. Supporting documentation would include laboratory confirmation of Yersinia pestis from CSF or blood cultures, or strong epidemiological links to plague exposure.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "meningitis" as the manifestation of plague, not just general plague.
• Do not confuse with other forms of plague (e.g., bubonic, septicemic, pneumonic) unless meningitis is also present.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by any associated symptoms or complications.