General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic feverLassa feverRift Valley fever
AgentCrimea-Congo OrthonairovirusMammarenavirus of LassaPhlebovirus of the Rift Valley
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsVector
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Animal / zoonosis
Vector
What distinguishes diseaseViral zoonose transmitted by ticks or by contact with infected blood and tissues.Hemorrhagic fever endemic in several West African countries, linked to rodents and sometimes transmitted between humans.Viral zoonose affecting mainly farmed animals and transmitted to humans by contact or mosquitoes.
PreventionTick protection, precautions when contacting animals and strict prevention of infections in care.Protect food and housing from rodents and apply appropriate care precautions.Protection during animal care, food safety and mosquito control in the areas concerned.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringSpecialized tests, including RT-PCR or detection of antigens and antibodies, confirm the infection. Sampling must be secured by trained teams.The confirmation involves specialized tests such as RT-PCR or antibody detection. Symptoms alone do not distinguish Lassa from malaria and other fevers.The confirmation is based in particular on RT-PCR or antibody tests. Analysis and management are organized medically; the first signs are similar to other fevers.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Tick and place
  • Slaughter or contact with blood
  • Stay and exposure to rodents
  • Possible pregnancy and term
  • Tissue or bedding contacts
  • Place and dates of stay

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Animal / zoonosis. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.