Methanol poisoning death toll rises to 43 in Nicaragua
The death toll in a methanol poisoning case in Nicaragua has risen from Friday's 21 to 43 on Sunday, officials said.

The victims died of poisoning after drinking illegal rum diluted with methanol, an industrial alcohol made from wood.

Health authorities in Leon, the worst-hit region, said hospitals had treated 417 people since Sept. 3, when the poisoning was first detected.

Hospitals have kept five people in intensive care and released 79 others who will be kept under observation. Another 30 have been sent to the country's capital, Managua, for further treatment.

Health Minister Margarita Gurdian has called for the Attorney General's Office and police to help seize methanol across the country to prevent further poisoning.

Official data showed 60,000 tons of the industrial product had been seized across the country.

Police have arrested one person and are seeking another in connection with distributing the lethal product.

Authorities have searched Martin Pereira Oconors, an area which is the source of much of the illegal liquor in Leon, and now suspect the rum came from neighboring El Salvador.