Port-au-Prince - The number of cholera fatalities in Haiti has risen to just short of 6 000, the Health Ministry said Sunday.

By 31 July, 5 968 had died with 10 more people succumbing every day, the ministry said.

More than 420 000 people have been infected since the outbreak started in October and another 600 cases are registered daily.

The problem is being exacerbated by the lack of a government. New President Michel Martelly has still not succeeded in appointing a prime minister. The opposition-dominated parliament has so far rejected his candidates.

The deadlock is delaying the reconstruction of the country, which was hit by an earthquake in January 2010 that killed 220 000. - Sapa-dpa