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Dozens of Afghan evacuees sickened, food poisoning suspected in Tucson

Pima County officials said at least 56 people got sick at a Tucson hotel that's been housing evacuees from Afghanistan.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast in September.

Six people were taken to a hospital and dozens of others were treated for suspected food poisoning at a Tucson hotel where evacuees from Afghanistan are staying. 

Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen says patients reported vomiting. She says the cause of the widespread illness is still being investigated but she expects it will ultimately be linked to food. 

Cullen says the Pima County Health Department was called in at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday. She says 56 people got sick including those who were taken to the hospital. Most were treated on the scene by the Tucson Fire Department.

After the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan earlier this year, Arizona became a top destination for refugees who were fleeing from the war-torn country. 

RELATED: A common bond: Scottsdale attorney helps bring Afghan refugee to Arizona

RELATED: Arizona shelters trying to keep up with humanitarian crisis at the border

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