A municipality in Colombia was long-known for citizens who displayed what was thought to be “foolish behavior.” Until doctors discovered they were carriers of a gene mutation called Fragile X.

For decades the rural town called Ricaurte had developed a reputation for having ‘offbeat’ citizens who exhibited strange conduct. Then they became the central focus of a scientific study that revealed they were victims of a gene mutation.

It’s called Fragile X Syndrome. And it’s a leading cause of physical, social and intellectual abnormalities.

Correspondent Michelle Begue traveled to the town of Ricaurte to bring us this report.