Varicella meningitis

This code represents an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is a neurological complication of chickenpox or shingles, characterized by symptoms such as headache, fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates meningitis as a direct result of a varicella (chickenpox) or zoster (shingles) infection. This diagnosis is typically supported by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirming VZV presence and clinical signs of meningeal irritation.

• Do not use this code for meningitis due to other viral etiologies; ensure VZV is explicitly identified as the causative agent.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when varicella meningitis is the reason for the encounter.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for the underlying varicella or zoster infection (e.g., B01.9, B02.9) if still active and relevant to the encounter.