HAVANA SYNDROME

            Havana syndrome is a mysterious illness and was first reported by United States and Canadian embassy staff in Cuba dating back to late 2016 as well as subsequently in some other countries, including the United States. 

             In 2017, Donald Trump accused Cuba of perpetrating unspecified attacks causing these symptoms. The U.S. reduced staff at their embassy to a minimum in response.[8] In 2018, U.S. diplomats in China reported problems similar to those reported in Cuba, as did undercover CIA agents working in other countries with partner agencies to counter Russian covert operations. 

             In August 2017, reports began surfacing that American and Canadian[17] diplomatic personnel in Cuba had experienced unusual, unexplained health problems dating back to late 2016.[18][19] The number of American citizens experiencing symptoms was 26 as of June 2018.

SYMPTOMS:-

              A report published by the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) last year breaks it all down. Most people who have had Havana Syndrome heard a loud noise and felt an intense pressure or vibration in their head, dizziness, and pain in their ear or head. 

             "The neurologic symptoms reported in Havana syndrome are commonly seen in concussions. The similarities are striking," Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director in the department of neurology at Michigan State University, tells Health.

             Some people said the symptoms stopped when they went to another room, and returned when they went back to the same spot when they first experienced the symptoms.

              The symptoms go away soon for some people, but others have experienced chronic insomnia, headaches, and even brain damage.

CAUSES:-

               It's not entirely clear what causes Havana Syndrome. The NAS study does point out that the Soviet Union researched the effects of pulsed radio frequency energy more than 50 years ago, but stops short of actually saying pulsed radio frequency energy causes Havana Syndrome.

               Instead, the report says that the syndrome is likely caused by a microwave weapon or directed-energy device.h

              "The committee felt that many of the distinctive and acute signs, symptoms, and observations reported by [government] employees are consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed radio frequency energy," the report says, noting that previous research published by both Western and Soviet sources provides "circumstantial support for this possible mechanism."