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
BenchmarkRabiesLassa feverCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
AgentLyssavirusMammarenavirus of LassaCrimea-Congo Orthonairovirus
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsAnimal / zoonosis
Close contact
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Vector
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseZoonosis of the nervous system transmitted by saliva of an infected mammal, most often after bite or scratch.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.
PreventionImmediately wash the wound and request an assessment for post-exposure prophylaxis without delay.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 assessment covers contact, animal, territory and documented vaccinations. There is no routine screening test to wait calmly after exposure. The competent centre decides on the vaccine and immunoglobulins when they are needed.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, country and place of contact
  • Species, behaviour and availability of animal for authorities
  • 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: Animal / zoonosis · Close contact. 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.