Smallpox A013

Current RMA Instruments

Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding:

• ICD-9-CM Codes: 050
• ICD-10-AM Codes: B03

Brief description

Smallpox has been eradicated worldwide.  The last known case was in 1977.  The virus is held only in two secure laboratories in the USA and Russia. 

Confirming the diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition should not be made unless the disease somehow re-emerges (accident, bio-terrorism).  Laboratory evidence of infection with variola virus would then be required for confirmation.  Any historic cases, other than for death from smallpox, should be diagnosed as smallpox-resolved, or no incapacity found.

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP

• Nil