ICD-10 Code B53.1 – Malaria due to simian plasmodia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B53.1 – Malaria due to simian plasmodia
What it is
B53.1 identifies malaria caused by simian Plasmodium species, meaning malaria acquired from parasites that normally infect nonhuman primates. Use this code when documentation specifically names simian plasmodia.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Malaria commonly presents with fever, chills, sweating, headache, malaise, and possible anemia or splenomegaly, but the organism must be identified as simian plasmodia.
When to use this code
Use B53.1 when the provider documents malaria due to simian plasmodia or a simian Plasmodium species. This may appear in travel-related or zoonotic infection records. If the organism is not specified, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified malaria, malaria due to human Plasmodium species, or suspected malaria without confirmed documentation. Check documentation if the species is unclear.
Coding tip
Assign B53.1 only when the record clearly links malaria to simian plasmodia, and verify any additional malaria codes or manifestations separately.