Minister of Health Maria Luisa Avila of Costa Rica

Health Minister María Luisa Avila said the hotel received permission on March 19 to allow up to 300 people on the property, a number that includes both guests and employees.

Avila said the hotel's water treatment plant which has an approved capacity for 300 has been repaired and that the Ministry of Health will be sending inspectors during the week to make sure it is in working order.

Health Secretary Maria Luisa Avila said 56 tubes of toothpaste containing diethylene glycol were found in the northern city of Liberia, and 306 more were seized from a warehouse in the capital of San Jose.

Health Secretary Maria Luisa Avila said 56 tubes of toothpaste containing diethylene glycol, a chemical commonly used in antifreeze and brake fluid, were found in the northern city of Liberia, and 306 more were seized from a warehouse in the capital of San Jose.

Avila said the Public Health Ministry investigated on the sale of the tooth paste with the toxic substance, which is used to cool radiators in cars, and could harm the mouth, liver, lungs and kidneys of people.

Avila said the Health Ministry is planning a 42,000-dose, $320,000 vaccination campaign in the near future, focusing on mothers and their partners.