At least 15 people have been killed by a cholera outbreak in Nigeria's northern Kano state.

Nigerian health authorities reported an outbreak of cholera in Kano State, for which 40 people are currently receiving medical treatment and which has been responsible for at least 15 associated deaths.

Cholera is spread via infected water supplies and induces acute diarrhea leading to severe dehydration, frequently resulting in death.

Cholera outbreaks are very common in African countries, where safe drinkable water is hard to come by and many people have to drink water from rivers which are often polluted by grazing cattle. (ILKHA)