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Suspected food poisoning incident at Tucson hotel hosting Afghan evacuees

Dozens of people were treated for what is suspected to be food poisoning at a Tucson hotel hosting Afghan evacuees. 

Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen says her department was called early Monday evening to trace a rash of illnesses expected to be linked to food at the hotel, although the incident is still under investigation. 

A total of 56 people got sick, including six who were taken to the hospital. Cullen says patients reported vomiting and most were treated on the scene by the Tucson Fire Department. 

A few thousand Afghan evacuees are expected to settle in Tucson in the coming months, many of whom are staying in hotels while aid groups search for more permanent housing options.

Alisa Reznick is a senior field correspondent covering stories across southern Arizona and the borderlands for the Tucson bureau of KJZZ's Fronteras Desk.