The United Nations has said that additional funds are needed to fight the major cholera outbreak in the West African nation of Guinea Bissau, which has affected over 12,220 people and has killed 201 since May.

The outbreak shows no sign of abating and Veronique Taveau, UNICEF spokeswoman says this outbreak of cholera has been exceptionally difficult to control.  She added that more than half of the cases are in the capital of Bissau but the disease has spread to all provinces since it started in mid-May.

There are fears of the disease spreading further as an election campaign expected to draw large crowds in unhygienic conditions said Taveau.

Elizabeth Byrs, spokeswoman for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, a total of 12,225 cases have been recorded so far this year and an average of more than 1,000 new cases are being diagnosed every month.

Byrs told a news briefing in Geneva that the United Nations is already spending $1 million to fight the cholera outbreak in Guinea Bissau, but more funds are needed.

According to OCHA cholera rates are decreasing in Senegal, Mali, Benin and Niger but not in Guinea Bissau. In 2005 the country recorded one of its most serious epidemics of cholera, with 25,000 cases and 400 deaths.

Mainly transmitted through contaminated food and water, Cholera needs long-term prevention depends on access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation to prevent exposure.