Cholera kills at least 35 in Niger

An ongoing cholera epidemic since mid-July has claimed 35 lives in Niger, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

A total of 845 cases were recorded in at least six regions across the West African country, including in the capital Niamey as of Monday, the ministry said.

The highly contagious disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by dirty water, resulting in severe diarrhea which can lead to death.

Niger has announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) will provide medicine and other supplies worth more than $300,000 to help it overcome the epidemic.

(With input from AFP)