Costa Rica's Ministry of Health says a total of 41 people have been affected after drinking tainted alcohol as the death toll rose to 20.

The National Health Ministry issued a national alert, and also confiscated 30,000 bottles of liquor they say were laced with methanol.

According to a press release, 18 of the 20 victims were Costa Ricans, one was Nicaraguan and the nationality of the latest victim has not been released.

The press release says 15 were men and five were women.

Affected brands included Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Aguardiente Estrella, Aguardiente and Aguardiente Timbuka.