South Sudan's cholera outbreak has spread to new areas, killing at least 37 people and infecting more than 2,450, OCHA said on Thursday.

Juba is the worst affected area in the country, with more than 1,800 cases reported alone. Fangak is the latest county to have new cases. 

Other affected areas include Juba and Terekeka in Central Equatoria, Duk and Fangak in Jonglei, Pageri in Eastern Equatoria and Awerial in Lakes.

In Awerial, the outbreak, which began at Mingkaman Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, has spread to the host community, with four cases including one death reported in Kalthouk.

This is worse than the 2015 cholera outbreak which was confined to only Juba and Bor. 

Cholera is an infection spread by ingesting food and water that is contaminated with bacteria. Safe drinking water and regular sanitation are the most effective ways to thwart the disease.

"The spike in conflict in July 2016 and subsequent displacement contributed to the spread of cholera and left many people with inadequate sanitation facilities and insufficient access to clean water," OCHA said.

The hotline to report suspected cholera cases is 1144.

File photo: MSF/Nick Owen