Havana Syndrome Latest News
Recently, a covertly acquired device by the Pentagon that emits pulsed radio waves is under US testing, reopening questions around Havana Syndrome.
About Havana Syndrome
- It refers to a set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence and embassy officials in various countries.
- It does not mean a unique medical condition, but rather a set of symptoms that are usually experienced together whose origins may be difficult to confirm.
- Symptoms: Such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss and balance issues.
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- Origin of Havana Syndrome
- It first emerged in late 2016 when US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba.
- This was about a year after the US opened its embassy in the capital city of Havana after ties between the two countries were normalised in 2015.
- Some US intelligence officials and members of the staff at the embassy began experiencing sudden bursts of pressure in their brains followed by persistent headaches, feelings of disorientation and insomnia.
- In India, the first such case was reported in 2021, when a US intelligence officer travelling to New Delhi with CIA director William Burns reported symptoms of Havana Syndrome.
- No one is entirely sure about the causes of this syndrome.
Source: BS
Havana Syndrome FAQs
Q1: Where was Havana Syndrome first reported?
Ans: Havana, Cuba
Q2: What are some common symptoms of Havana Syndrome?
Ans: Dizziness, nausea, and hearing loss
