Trench fever

Trench fever is a louse-borne rickettsial infection caused by Bartonella quintana. It typically presents with recurrent febrile episodes, severe headache, bone pain (especially in the shins), and sometimes a rash. This condition was historically prevalent during wartime due to crowded, unsanitary conditions.

This code is appropriate for documenting a confirmed diagnosis of trench fever. Use when medical records clearly indicate the characteristic symptoms, a history of louse exposure, and/or laboratory confirmation of Bartonella quintana infection. Documentation should differentiate it from other febrile illnesses.

• Ensure documentation specifies "trench fever" to avoid confusion with other rickettsial diseases.
• Do not confuse with other Bartonella infections, such as cat-scratch disease or Carrión's disease, which have distinct ICD-9-CM codes.
• Consider any associated symptoms or complications, such as endocarditis, which would require additional coding.