Hector Duarte Jr. - All Headline News Staff Reporter

So far, this year's epidemic across West Africa has sickened tens of thousands of people and killed about 800 amid heavy rains and subsequent flooding, particularly in Dakar, Senegal's capital.

WHO's cholera chief, Claire-Lise Chaignat, says these countries are not well prepared to handle the outbreak.

Epidemics of cholera, transmitted by infected water, are linked to poor hygiene, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and unsafe water.

According to the WHO, over 31,000 people were infected with cholera in nine west African countries between June and late August.

She also warns the cholera season is just beginning in eastern and southern Africa