Outbreak Investigation and Response (Laboratory Track)



Course description

The laboratory is a critical partner in surveillance, outbreak investigation and public health interventions. To strengthen outbreak detection and response, this course aims to integrate the existing laboratory services with communicable disease control activities in South Africa and improve the quality of microbiology laboratory testing.
The course includes a combination of lectures, applied exercises, and microbiology scenarios related to outbreaks. There is also a field project under the supervision of an expert to be presented at a follow-up session. The field project allows participants to transfer learning into the workplace and also provide service and improvement to laboratory services.

The epidemiology and laboratory tracks of the Outbreak Investigation and Management course run in parallel with several joint sessions. This facilitates the formation of an effective network of communication between laboratory personnel, the communicable disease control coordinators and the NICD.

Course goals

Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:
  • Develop strategies to improve laboratory capability and response for outbreaks
  • Initiate activities to improve quality management systems for microbiology
  • Advise on appropriate specimen collection in an outbreak situation and accurately interpret laboratory results
  • Establish a system of regular communication between laboratory personnel and the Department of Health
  • Use NHLS DISA Laboratory Information Systems (or equivalent) to monitor trends in laboratory data that will assist in early outbreak detection

Target audience

This course is designed for senior technologists in a microbiology supervisory role from a laboratory designated as the focal laboratory for coordination of laboratory outbreak response in each province.