Chronic meningococcemia

This code describes a persistent, low-grade infection of the bloodstream by Neisseria meningitidis. Unlike acute meningococcemia, chronic forms are characterized by intermittent fever, rash, and arthralgia, often without the severe systemic toxicity or rapid progression seen in acute cases. It represents a prolonged bacteremic state rather than a localized infection.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "chronic meningococcemia" or describes a patient presenting with recurrent fever, migratory polyarthralgia, and a maculopapular or petechial rash, with confirmed N. meningitidis bacteremia that has persisted for weeks or months. Supporting documentation should include positive blood cultures for N. meningitidis and a clinical course indicative of chronicity.

• Differentiate carefully from acute meningococcemia (A39.2), which presents with rapid onset and severe systemic symptoms.
• Do not use for localized meningococcal infections (e.g., meningitis, A39.0) unless chronic bacteremia is also present.
• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" to support the use of this specific subcategory.