A South Korean civic group claims that dozens of North Korean people have died from epidemic hemorrhagic fever in North Hamgyeong Province.

The group “Good Friends” said Wednesday that 55 people have died from the disease in the northeastern province from November to January 19th.

Twenty-six people are reportedly being treated for the disease at two local hospitals.

The aid group said North Korean medical authorities quarantine patients with the fever and release them after their conditions have improved, but due to a lack of medicine, some patients have died during the quarantine period.