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
BenchmarkMpoxLassa feverCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
AgentVirus monkeypoxMammarenavirus of LassaCrimea-Congo Orthonairovirus
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsClose contact
Animal / zoonosis
Mother and child transmission
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Vector
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseTransmissible viral zoonoses, especially in close contact with lesions, fluids or contaminated objects.Hemorrhagic fever endemic in several West African countries, linked to rodents and sometimes transmitted between humans.Viral zoonose transmitted by ticks or by contact with infected blood and tissues.
PreventionAvoid contact with lesions, follow health instructions and use vaccination when proposed.Protect food and housing from rodents and apply appropriate care precautions.Tick protection, precautions when contacting animals and strict prevention of infections in care.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference		Form →
WHO — reference		Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringThe PCR on a lesion sample is the preferred test. A photograph surely does not distinguish mpox, varicella, herpes or syphilis.The confirmation involves specialized tests such as RT-PCR or antibody detection. Symptoms alone do not distinguish Lassa from malaria and other fevers.Specialized tests, including RT-PCR or detection of antigens and antibodies, confirm the infection. Sampling must be secured by trained teams.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Date of close contact and appearance of lesions
  • Eye damage, pain or difficulty drinking
  • Stay and exposure to rodents
  • Possible pregnancy and term
  • Tick and place
  • Slaughter or contact with blood

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Close contact · 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.