The toll in the cholera outbreak here in Ghana's capital has risen to 21. Over 1,500 cases of the disease have been reported, an official said.

Ato Eshun, regional disease control officer, advised people to quickly report such cases to the nearest hospital.

Poor sanitation in the city has been blamed for the outbreak, Xinhua reported.

Most homes in Ghana are without toilet facilities while the few that were previously available have been converted into rooms, shops and stores.

The authorities have cautioned residents to be aware of food and water they consume.

Last year, there were 94 deaths out of 8,494 cases of cholera.

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It causes diarrhoea that can lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given.

According to the World Health Organization, up to 120,000 people die each year from cholera.**