The death toll from Guinea-Bissau's cholera outbreak now stands at 280 and the deadly waterborne disease has now spread to the eastern regions of Bafata and Gabu, according to reports on Wednesday.

A Health Ministry official was quoted as saying on Tuesday that 16,544 cholera cases have been recorded and the worst-affected area has been Bissau, with 60 deaths from over 9,000 cases.

The official said although there are reasons for some "optimism" at a slight drop in new cholera cases, but assistance is still needed to keep the epidemic in check.

The World Health Organization warned Tuesday that this year's region-wide cholera epidemic, afflicting eight West African states,is the worst in years, according to the official.

Source: Xinhua