Death toll in Ecuador from adulterated alcohol

Ecuador's Health Ministry said Wednesday the death toll from consuming adulterated alcohol has climbed to 45, while another 161 were hospitalized for intoxication. The Health Ministry said in a statement that 10 more people have been reported dead in the Andean provinces of Tungurahua and Azuay during the past few days. The incident first occurred on July 14 in the coastal town of Urdaneta in Los Rios province, where eight were initially reported dead after drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol while celebrating traditional holidays. Adulterated alcohol has caused deaths in nine of Ecuador's 24 provinces, causing 11 deaths in Tungurahua, 10 in Azuay, two in Guayas, one in Pichincha and one more in Manabi. "These cases are being kept under observation," the Health Ministry said, advising one to stop consuming homemade alcohol because of the danger of being poisoned. Ecuadorian authorities have set up a free telephone hotline for people with symptoms to receive immediate consultation.