This course covers the updates for cholera diagnosis and management for Health Care Workers in the Western Cape Department of Health in response to the recent outbreak in South Africa.


About the course

Course Design:
Self-directed. 


Duration: 
It will take you approximately 2 hours to complete. 


Eligibility for this course: 

  • All healthcare workers working in Western Cape 


Accreditation: 
2 general CEU's on Level 1,  according to the HPCSA’s  guidelines .


Certification: 
Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.


Published: 
October 2023

Course curriculum

The following chapters are covered in this course:

Chapter 1: Overview and Background

  • The background of cholera
  • How it spreads
  • Clinical presentation


Chapter 2: Assess the client with cholera

  • Determine the hydration status of the client
  • How to perform stool collection and rectal swab procedures


Chapter 3: Treatment of cholera

  • Fluid replacement according to degree of dehydration
    • Severe dehydration
    • Some and no dehydration
  • Treatment adjuncts
    • Antibiotics
    • Additional management considerations


Chapter 4: Health promotion for cholera 

  • Primary prevention
  • Secondary prevention


Chapter 5: Report cases of cholera

  • Where to notify cases of cholera
  • Which notification forms to use
  • Important helpline numbers

This course was developed by the Knowledge Translation Unit (KTU) of the University of Cape Town and The Health Foundation South Africa (THF).