The U.N. children's agency says West and Central Africa are facing one of their worst cholera outbreaks ever.

UNICEF said Tuesday that nearly 2,500 people have died from cholera in the region this year, and that more than 85,000 cases have been reported.

The agency said that with the outbreak, the region is facing one of the biggest epidemics in its history.

Cholera is a highly contagious diarrheal disease that causes severe dehydration and can lead to death if not treated quickly. It is transmitted by ingesting food or water contaminated by bacteria.