Report: US embassy workers in Cuba suffered brain abnormalities from suspected 'health attacks'

Alyssa Rege -

U.S. diplomats, embassy workers and their families in Cuba who were the victims of suspected health attacks were found to have "developed changes" in their brain composition, according to a Fox News report.

Physicians reportedly discovered the white matter in victims' brains had undergone significant changes due to the alleged attacks, according to Fox News citing an Associated Press report.

At least 22 individuals had previously reported hearing loud noises before experiencing a range of health symptoms, including hearing loss, dizziness and cognitive issues. Individuals began reporting the alleged attacks as early as December 2016.

Other American citizens, unaffiliated with the embassy, who had visited Cuba also reported experiencing symptoms similar to those reported by embassy workers.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Wednesday U.S. embassy workers in Cuba were the victims of "targeted attacks" and suggested the Cuban government could have interceded to protect those individuals, The New York Times reports.

However, Cuban officials have repeatedly denied any involvement in the incidents. A panel of Cuban scientists launched a nine-month probe into the alleged attacks and determined the embassy workers may have suffered a "collective psychogenic disorder," rather than a health attack, according to Science, which obtained a copy of the Cuban scientists' report.

Following reports of the alleged attacks, President Donald Trump issued a series of orders aimed at protecting American citizens, including the expulsion of 15 Cuban diplomats from the country's embassy in Washington, D.C. in October.

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