Malawi has registered 17 new cholera cases, bringing the cumulative tally to 160 cases including six deaths, the Ministry of Health said on Monday.

Of the 17 new cases registered, 11 are from Blantyre, one case each from Chikwawa and Nsanje and four from Neno.

Currently 21 cases are in admission; four cases in Blantyre, one case in Chikwawa, 15 cases in Neno and one case in Nsanje.

So far, the outbreak has affected five districts of Nsanje, Neno, Blantyre, Machinga and Chikwawa.

“There is urgent need to improve access to safe water and coverage on sanitation, risk communication and community engagement should be ongoing, inter district and cross boarder coordination and collaboration is very crucial in the prevention and containment of this cholera outbreak,” the ministry said in a statement.