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Costa Rica warning following 20 deaths
The Foreign Office is warning visitors to Costa Rica to take care buying spirits following a number of deaths and cases of serious illness caused by drinks containing methanol.
Criminal gangs have been reported to manufacture bottles of alcohol containing high amounts of methanol, it said.
These have included the brands Guaro Gran Apache, Aguardiente Estrella Roja, Guaro Montano, Aguardiente Baron Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka and Aguardiente Molotov.
"You should take care when buying any spirit-based drinks," said the FCO in an update to its travel advice.
The Costa Rican Health Ministry says it has now confirmed at least 20 deaths from consumption of alcohol tainted with methanol.
The ministry said on Wednesday that it searched a facility belonging to one of the suppliers of the alcohol and confiscated boxes of the product.
So far, 15 men and five women have died after drinking adulterated liquor since early June. The victims range from 32 to 72 years of age.
In total, the ministry identified 41 people affected by the alcohol.
The Pan American Health Organisation says: "Methanol can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. High doses can cause blindness or vision loss as a consequence of serious damage to the optic nerve.
"Chronic exposure may cause liver damage, cirrhosis or even death from respiratory or cardiac failure". If you, or someone you’re travelling with, shows signs of alcohol-induced methanol poisoning, seek immediate medical attention."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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