CDC: Thallium caused death in four in Iraq

ATLANTA, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- An outbreak of unusual symptoms among two families that resulted in four deaths in Iraq was caused by thallium poisoning, U.S. health officials said.

Thursday's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said that the poisoning was caused by eating cake that had been contaminated with thallium, an odorless, tasteless, heavy metal.

"Identification of the rare poison and vehicle of transmission was possible because multiple governmental agencies and private sector healthcare providers assisted and worked with each other, within and between countries, during the response to this incident," the report said.

"Clinicians who see sudden painful onset of peripheral neuropathy and hair loss should consider the possibility of thallium poisoning, and because of historical precedents, investigation should include assessment for criminal intent."

Thallium is highly toxic and is used in rat poisons and insecticides, as well as the electronics industry, pharmaceutical industry and glass manufacturing.