China's Health Ministry reported Monday a 10.89 percent increase of intestinal infectious diseases on the Chinese mainland during the first five months of this year.

A total of 161,875 cases of intestinal infectious diseases were reported from January to May killing 74 people. This accounted for13.43 percent of the total reported disease number and 4.27 of the death toll, the ministry said.

The ministry said unsanitary drinking water and food, an unhealthy living environment and delayed treatment were the major causes of the spread of the disease.

The Health Ministry said it has urged local health authorities to monitor the spread the disease and trace its source in order to prevent its further transmission.

Source: Xinhua