ALERT: Ecuadorian Health Ministry Bans Consumption of Alcohol, 72 Hours

According to ElComercio.com the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health issued a Dry Law, no alcohol consumption, for 72 hours via Twitter. The Ministry issued the decree at 6 p.m. on Sunday July 17th, effective for the entire country. The Ministry says the time-period allows for investigators to inspect alcohol for suspected contamination. Authorities say 21 people have died from alcohol poisoning within a week and many more are hospitalized. The Ministry says that they have seized 28 55-gallon barrels of alcohol, some in which the chemical methanol was found. When in contact with blood, methanol turns into formalin, formaldehyde + water, which causes serious health problems. Five provinces have been affected, Los Rios, Azuay, Tungurahua, Santo Domingo and Pichincha authorities say. Officials add Los Rios has been hit the hardest and on Saturday authorities issued the Dry Law. Victims of contaminated alcohol began to report to hospitals this past Tuesday.Read Article