What is Havana syndrome?

OVER 200 Americans have come forward with symptoms relating to Havana Syndrome, most of them US intelligence officers.

One former CIA agent described the incident that led to his Havana Syndrome as "a mass casualty event."

What is Havana Syndrome?

Havana Syndrome is a set of medical issues reported by US and Canadian embassy staff in Cuba dating back to 2016, hence its name relating to a Cuban city.

Symptoms of Havana Syndrome include sudden vertigo, nausea, headaches and head pressure.

Many reported hearing a large noise and intense pressure in their heads, leading to dizziness and even visual disturbances.

A team of medical staff that studied these symptoms reported that nothing like them had ever been reported in medical literature.

What causes Havana Syndrome?

The actual cause of Havana Syndrome is unclear, but reported symptoms appear to come from direct energy attacks.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine revealed in 2020 that the symptoms were consistent with the effects of directed microwave energy, which Russia has long studied.

In 2018, US intelligence officials considered Russia a leading suspect in attacks that would result in Havana Syndrome, but this is inconclusive.

The reason for the attacks is assumedly to gather digital data from US intelligence staff, but this remains just a theory.

Who does Havana Syndrome affect?

Almost half of the reported cases of Havana Syndrome affect CIA officers or their relatives, 60 involve Defense Department officials, and another 50 are linked to the State Department.

FBI agents and personnel report experiencing symptoms while overseas, especially in Europe and Central Asia, with about a dozen occuring in Vienna.

The first Washington DC case was reported in May, 2021 with the US investigating a possible microwave attack.

About the cases, an FBI spokesperson said  "In keeping with DOJ policy, the FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of specific investigations. However, we will direct you to recent statements made by Director Wray in testimony before Congress where he underscored the protection, health, and well-being of U.S. government personnel is the highest priority; we view all U.S. government personnel who have these symptoms as potential victims and will treat them as such; and we care deeply about our colleagues in the federal government."

A Defense Department spokesman said: "The Department is heavily engaged on this issue as a part of the [National Security Council]-led interagency process across the federal government to address anomalous health incidents, and is fully committed to determining both the causes and source.

"The safety, health and welfare of our personnel remains a top priority for the Department."

The Biden administration encourages US officials to come forward if they are experiencing symptoms.

A senior administration official said: "In certain cases, these incidents have upended the lives of U.S. personnel who have devoted their careers to serving our country.

"Our government recognizes how important it is to make sure they get the care they deserve and that we get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible."

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