A US government employee in China reported experiencing a mysterious and “abnormal” sound that caused him to suffer from a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
A Wednesday, May 23, health warning emailed to American citizens from the consulate in Guangzhou, noted that the sensations the employee felt were “subtle and vague.”
According to the alert, there have been no other similar incidents in China, inside or outside the government.
“While in China, if you experience any unusual acute auditory or sensory phenomena accompanied by unusual sounds or piercing noises, do not attempt to locate their source,” the alert said. “Instead, move to a location where the sounds are not present.”
“If you have concerns about any symptoms or medical problems that developed during or after a stay in China, consult a medical professional,” the warning stated.
Cuban Connection
US officials did not explicitly link the incident to other cases, but it appears similar to another unexplained “sonic or sound” attack in Cuba last year, that left some 21 embassy staffers ill.The employees, working for the US embassy in Havana, appeared to have been targeted. Their symptoms included hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive issues, according to Reuters.
Cuban officials at the time denied knowing that the incident was from a sonic attack.
“Because our personnel’s safety is at risk, and we are unable to identify the source, we believe U.S. citizens may also be at risk,” the March 2, 2018, advisory states. “The U.S. Embassy in Havana is operating with reduced staffing and, as result, has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens, particularly outside Havana.”
Friends Read Free