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  5. Herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections (B00)

Herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections (B00)

The ICD-10 code section B00 covers a variety of herpesviral infections caused primarily by the herpes simplex virus. These codes specify conditions ranging from skin manifestations like eczema herpeticum (B00.0) and vesicular dermatitis (B00.1) to more severe infections such as meningitis (B00.3) and encephalitis (B00.4).

This ICD-10 code set helps medical coders identify specific herpes simplex-related illnesses including oral herpes infections like gingivostomatitis and pharyngotonsillitis (B00.2), herpesviral eye diseases such as keratitis (B00.52) and iridocyclitis (B00.51), as well as disseminated herpesviral disease (B00.7) that can cause widespread systemic infection. The section also distinguishes less common presentations like herpesviral hepatitis (B00.81) and myelitis (B00.82). Using synonyms such as “eczema vaccinatum” for eczema herpeticum or “herpes labialis” for herpesviral vesicular dermatitis can help resolve coding doubts. These codes are essential for accurately documenting herpes simplex infections, from localized skin and mucous membrane involvement to serious neurological and ocular complications.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • congenital herpesviral infections P35.2

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

  • anogenital herpesviral infection A60
  • gammaherpesviral mononucleosis B27.0
  • herpangina B08.5

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Dual Specificity Phosphatase 3

A dual specificity phosphatase subtype that plays a role in intracellular signal transduction by inactivating MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASES. It has specificity for EXTRACELLULAR SIGNAL-REGULATED MAP KINASES.

Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex

An acute (or rarely chronic) inflammatory process of the brain caused by SIMPLEXVIRUS infections which may be fatal. The majority of infections are caused by human herpesvirus 1 (HERPESVIRUS 1, HUMAN) and less often by human herpesvirus 2 (HERPESVIRUS 2, HUMAN). Clinical manifestations include FEVER; HEADACHE; SEIZURES; HALLUCINATIONS; behavioral alterations; APHASIA; hemiparesis; and COMA. Pathologically, the condition is marked by a hemorrhagic necrosis involving the medial and inferior TEMPORAL LOBE and orbital regions of the FRONTAL LOBE. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp751-4)

Herpes Genitalis

Infection of the genitals (GENITALIA) with HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS in either the males or the females.

Herpes Labialis

Herpes simplex, caused by type 1 virus, primarily spread by oral secretions and usually occurring as a concomitant of fever. It may also develop in the absence of fever or prior illness. It commonly involves the facial region, especially the lips and the nares. (Dorland, 27th ed.)

Herpes Simplex

A group of acute infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2 that is characterized by the development of one or more small fluid-filled vesicles with a raised erythematous base on the skin or mucous membrane. It occurs as a primary infection or recurs due to a reactivation of a latent infection. (Dorland, 27th ed.)

Herpes Simplex Virus Protein Vmw65

Trans-acting protein that combines with host factors to induce immediate early gene transcription in herpes simplex virus.

Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccines

Vaccines or candidate vaccines used to prevent infection with viruses from the genus SIMPLEXVIRUS. This includes vaccines for HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Herpesvirus 1, Human

The type species of SIMPLEXVIRUS causing most forms of non-genital herpes simplex in humans. Primary infection occurs mainly in infants and young children and then the virus becomes latent in the dorsal root ganglion. It then is periodically reactivated throughout life causing mostly benign conditions.

Herpesvirus 2, Human

A species of SIMPLEXVIRUS associated with genital infections (HERPES GENITALIS). It is transmitted by sexual intercourse and close personal contact.

Keratitis, Herpetic

A superficial, epithelial Herpesvirus hominis infection of the cornea, characterized by the presence of small vesicles which may break down and coalesce to form dendritic ulcers (KERATITIS, DENDRITIC). (Dictionary of Visual Science, 3d ed)

Simplexvirus

A genus of the family HERPESVIRIDAE, subfamily ALPHAHERPESVIRINAE, consisting of herpes simplex-like viruses. The type species is HERPESVIRUS 1, HUMAN.

Smallpox Vaccine

A VACCINIA VIRUS vaccine used for immunization against SMALLPOX. It is now recommended only for laboratory workers exposed to SMALLPOX VIRUS. Certain countries continue to vaccinate those in the military service. Rare complications most often associated with older generation smallpox vaccines include VACCINIA, secondary bacterial infections, and ENCEPHALOMYELITIS. Because MONKEYPOX VIRUS and SMALLPOX VIRUS are both ORTHOPOXVIRUS and are closely related smallpox vaccines provide effective CROSS-PROTECTION against MPOX, MONKEYPOX (https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/smallpox-vaccine.html).

Stomatitis, Herpetic

Stomatitis caused by Herpesvirus hominis. It usually occurs as acute herpetic stomatitis (or gingivostomatitis), an oral manifestation of primary herpes simplex seen primarily in children and adolescents.

Vaccinia

The cutaneous and occasional systemic reactions associated with vaccination using smallpox (variola) vaccine.

Vaccinia virus

The type species of ORTHOPOXVIRUS, related to COWPOX VIRUS, but whose true origin is unknown. It has been used as a live vaccine against SMALLPOX. It is also used as a vector for inserting foreign DNA into animals. Rabbitpox virus is a subspecies of VACCINIA VIRUS.