Some civic groups have expressed willingness to help North Korea fight a wave of infectious diseases in parts of the country.

An official for a consultative body of Seoul-based civic groups providing aid to the North said Thursday that some groups are considering sending medicine for typhus and typhoid fever to the North, adding a decision could come Monday.

The consultative body is believed to have already acquired 16 million won worth of medicine from the Korea Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association.

Meanwhile, non-governmental organization Good Neighbors also said it may donate to a pharmaceutical plant in Pyongyang the antibiotic amoxicillin, which can be used to treat scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever has spread through the provinces of Yanggang and Jagang since October while typhoid has been reported in North Hamgyeong Province's capital of Chongjin.