| Abstract: |
The headlines are scary enough to make travelers pack their own drinks when they head abroad. Costa Rica's Ministry of Health has reported that 25 people have died there this year due to methanol poisoning as a result of consuming tainted spirits. Nineteen local men and six women, ranging in age from 32 to 72, have succumbed to lethal doses of methanol this year. An additional 59 were hospitalized after reportedly ingesting counterfeit alcohol. The government has confiscated more than 55,000 containers of counterfeit spirits and closed down 10 stores in the San Jose and Alajuela areas since the initial deaths in the region were reported in June. |
