An outbreak of cholera in the Caribbean state of Haiti has claimed the lives of some 1,415 people, the country`s health ministry reported on its website.

About 30,000 people have been hospitalized since the disease broke out in Haiti late October, while the country is still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake that killed over 250,000 people.

The ministry said on Wednesday up to 200,000 Haitians could be infected with cholera if the country does not receive the $164 million as part of the international assistance to fight the epidemic.

Haiti received only $6.8 million so far.

Seven of the 10 Haitian provinces are affected, as the disease continues to spread around the disaster-stricken island nation.

Sporadic cases of cholera have also been detected in the neighboring Dominican Republic and the United States.

Despite the epidemic, Haiti is expected to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Over 12,000 UN peacekeepers will ensure security and order during the upcoming elections.
sections: World News