Radio Free Asia(RFA) says that typhoid fever is spreading in Ryanggang Province in North Korea.

Quoting Japan's news outlet Asia Press and a source in North Korea, the U.S-based broadcaster reported on Tuesday that outbreaks of typhoid were reported in Ryanggang Province this month and related deaths are increasing among seniors.

RFA said that North Korean authorities are struggling to contain the disease as it is spreading rapidly since the first case was reported in June. 

Jiro Ishimaru, head of Asia Press’ Osaka office, told RFA that the outbreak is attributable to the North's poor water supply, sewerage system and the Yalu River as many local residents in Ryanggang Province drink the water from the river without boiling it.