6.2 Cholera treatment units (CTU)

Select language:
Enter
Permalink
Download
Comment
Return to top
On this page

    Like CTCs, CTUs are designed to treat both simple cases of cholera (oral treatment) and severe cases (IV treatment) and function 24 hours a day.

     

    CTUs are, however, much smaller than CTCs. The capacity of a CTU varies according to the context and needs. In certain situations, a CTU may have only 2 beds, but a CTU can have 10 and up to 30 beds [1] Citation 1. UNICEF Cholera Toolkit, 2013.
    https://www.unicef.org/cholera/Cholera-Toolkit-2013.pdf         [2] Citation 2. Haiti cholera training manual: a full course for healthcare providers. Ministry of Health and Population in Haiti/ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2011.
    https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/pdf/haiticholera_trainingmanual_en.pdf         .

     

    A CTU is a simpler facility than a CTC in terms of installations.

    6.2.1 Choice of site and premises

    The criteria for choosing a site are the same as for a CTC (Section 6.1.1).

    6.2.2 Area required

    A bedridden patient requires about 4 m² and a seated patient about 2 m².

    6.2.3 Layout and equipment

    The main layout principles (isolation, entry/exit restrictions, and separation of “clean” and “contaminated” zones) are the same as for a CTC (Section 6.1) but, because of the fewer number of patients treated:

     

    1) The facility is simpler than a CTC:

    • Different patients (oral or IV treatment, adults or children, etc.) can be installed in the same space, whereas they would be in separate areas in a CTC. The sectorisation principle is however the same as in a CTC, e.g. children are preferably grouped together in the same area of the room or tent to facilitate surveillance.
    • Infrastructures such as the kitchen or laundry can be reduced to a minimum, for example:
      • The CTU provides dry rations or a space for attendants to cook for patients and attendants, or families may bring meals every day for patients depending on the context.
      • The CTU provides a washing area equipped with a water point and the attendants wash the laundry or dishes.
    • Besides these minimum provisions, the CTU must have its own latrines, showers, waste area and morgue.

     

    2) The equipment is adapted to needs, for example:

    • The storage of potable water can consist in a small water bladder (2000 litres) or 120 litres containers.
    • For lighting, a small generator can be used (800 VA - 3.3 KVA) or solar or kerosene lamps and medical staff can be provided with headlamps.

    6.2.4 Signage

    • Near the entrance to the CTU

    If the CTU is within the grounds of a hospital, post signs giving directions to the CTU so as to avoid cholera patients entering other services.

    • Inside the CTU
      • Put up signs indicating the zone forbidden to patients.
      • Label contents of containers: ORS, potable water, 0.05% chlorine solution for hand-washing.
      • Put up signs indicating men’s/women’s showers and latrines
      • Put up a No Entry sign to the excreta pit (it must not be used by patients).
      • Put up signs indicating the laundry or dish washing area, if applicable.

     

    References
    Path