Herpetic septicemia

This code represents a severe, systemic infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that has spread into the bloodstream. It indicates a life-threatening condition where HSV viremia leads to a widespread inflammatory response throughout the body, often manifesting with fever, organ dysfunction, and sepsis.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of septicemia directly attributed to herpes simplex virus. This typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., neonates, transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients) or in cases of severe disseminated HSV infection. Supporting documentation should include positive blood cultures for HSV or other definitive laboratory evidence of HSV viremia alongside clinical signs of sepsis.

• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for admission.
• Ensure documentation explicitly links the septicemia to the herpes simplex virus; avoid using for localized HSV infections.
• Consider additional codes for specific organ manifestations of the disseminated HSV infection (e.g., herpes encephalitis, hepatitis).