ICD-10 Code A20.3 – Plague meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A20.3 – Plague meningitis
What it is
A20.3 identifies plague meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings caused by Yersinia pestis. Use it when documentation specifically states plague involving the meninges.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical meningitis findings may include headache, fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, or other neurologic signs, but the plague diagnosis must be confirmed in the record.
When to use this code
Use A20.3 when the provider documents plague meningitis, plague with meningeal involvement, or a confirmed Yersinia pestis infection affecting the meninges. It may appear as a primary diagnosis or a complication of systemic plague. Check documentation if the site of infection is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific meningitis without plague, or for other forms of plague that do not involve the meninges. If the record only says “suspected plague,” check documentation.
Coding tip
Code A20.3 only when the provider links meningitis to plague; otherwise, code the documented infection site separately.