Havana Syndrome: Is This Mysterious Illness Rising in Spies and Diplomats?

NEW YORK:  A new syndrome has been affecting diplomats and spies in different parts of the world called the Havana Syndrome. It was first reported in 2016 in staff American embassy in Havana, Cuba and has since been reported in different parts of the world. 

On August 24 US Vice President Kamala Harris's flight from Singapore to Vietnam was also reported to have been delayed due to the mysterious syndrome. US officials said that it's a "possible anomalous health incident".

Since then this unexplained health ailment has affected diplomats from across the world particularly Americans. 

A person affected with Havana syndrome can exhibit a range of ailments like nausea, hearing loss, memory loss, dizziness and tinnitus.

Some people have also experienced hearing a loud piercing sound and feeling intense pressure in the face. After-effects of the syndrome include involved headaches, tinnitus, ear pain, vertigo, brain fog, loss of balance, muscle control and loss of vision and hearing.

 In December 2020, a group of researchers published a report of National Academies of Sciences which stated that after an assessment of illness in US Government Employees and their families at overseas embassies the mechanisms the committee considered, directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases, especially in individuals with the distinct early symptoms.

"The committee found these cases quite concerning, in part because of the plausible role of directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy as a mechanism, but also because of the significant suffering and debility that has occurred in some of these individuals," committee chair David Relman, Thomas C. and Joan M were quoted in the report. 

According to reports, the Biden administration is investigating cases that have emerged in Vienna. CNN also recently reported that a member of US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William J. Burns' team also experienced symptoms during the team's visit to India earlier this month.