Geneva/Harare - Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic has continued its rapid spread, with the death toll at 2,225 as of Friday, the United Nations said in Geneva.

According to the agency, 42,675 people have been infected with the waterborne disease. On Wednesday, the toll stood at 2,106 dead and 40,448 infected.

The epidemic was being fuelled by a lack of clean drinking water and chronic shortages of food and other essentials in the country, which is facing its worst-ever economic and humanitarian crisis.

Some experts have blamed the government for the cholera epidemic, specifically due to its failure to import adequate water purification chemicals. In December, President Robert Mugabe declared the disease a national emergency. International governments and aid agencies have been assisting since.

Experts have also warned that the situation could deteriorate with the advent of the rainy season and possible flooding that has been forecast for some parts of Zimbabwe. (dpa)