ICD-10 Code B53.8 – Other malaria, not elsewhere classified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B53.8 – Other malaria, not elsewhere classified
What it is
B53.8 identifies malaria cases that do not fit the more specific malaria categories in ICD-10-CM. Use it when documentation confirms malaria, but the species or type is not otherwise classified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common malaria findings include fever, chills, sweats, headache, malaise, and possible anemia or splenomegaly, but you should code only what is documented.
When to use this code
Use B53.8 when the provider documents malaria and the record does not support a more specific code. This is appropriate for “other malaria” or cases that cannot be classified into the standard malaria categories. If the species is identified, check whether a more specific ICD-10-CM code applies.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malaria with a documented specific organism or for conditions that are only suspected. If the chart gives enough detail for another malaria code, select that code instead.
Coding tip
Review the organism, severity, and any complication details before defaulting to B53.8.