Havana syndrome is psychological, according to an analyst who quotes a doctor 1:20
(CNN Spanish) -
Dizziness, nausea and nasal bleeding are some of the symptoms experienced by more than 200 US diplomats, officials and family members around the world.
These symptoms are consistent with the "Havana syndrome", a phenomenon that continues to be a mystery.
What is the "Havana syndrome"?
It is known as the "Havana syndrome" because the unexplained symptoms were first detected in 2016 with US diplomats in Cuba.
However, similar incidents have occurred with American diplomats and intelligence agents in Russia, China, India, and recently in Colombia.
Senators Call on Blinken to Appoint Manager to Lead Efforts to Address "Havana Syndrome"
Victims have reported a varied set of symptoms and physical sensations, such as sudden vertigo, nausea, headaches, and pressure in the head, sometimes accompanied by a "piercing directional noise."
Some have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and years later continue to suffer from debilitating headaches and other health problems.
The episodes have been severe enough to force some sufferers into early retirement.
Who or what causes the "Havana syndrome"?
The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomatic personnel in China and Cuba are described as "acoustic attacks" that are consistent with the use of directed microwave energy, according to a 2020 report published by the National Academy of Sciences.
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"In general, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism for explaining these cases among those that the committee considered," the report says.
"Acoustic attacks" suffered by US diplomats may have been caused by microwave energy, according to government study
The report also indicated that chemical exposures, infectious diseases and psychological problems could be possible causes or aggravating factors of the injuries, but the overall analysis seemed to show that they were not the probable cause.
A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the State Department.
While US officials have yet to make a formal attribution, Russia, China and Cuba have denied responsibility for the attacks.
The who, what and how behind the "Havana syndrome" is still being investigated.
Where has it been detected?
In October, more than a dozen US officials working at the US embassy.
in Colombia and their relatives have reported symptoms consistent with the "Havana syndrome" for which they had to be evacuated from the country.
Colombia is "ready to collaborate" with the US after reports of the "Havana syndrome";
in Bogotá, says chancellor
Two months earlier, Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Vietnam was delayed after her office was informed by the US embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, of a "recent possible anomalous health incident."
And earlier this year, CNN reported two separate incidents late last year near the White House that affected National Security Council personnel.
For six years, cases of "Havana syndrome" have been recorded in Colombia, Russia, China and other countries around the world.
Last week, President Joe Biden signed legislation to support victims of the syndrome.
A bipartisan group of senators asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken to appoint a new high-level official to lead the State Department's efforts to deal with ongoing "anomalous health incidents," also known as "Havana syndrome." , stating that the incidents reflect "a significant and total threat to our national security."
CNN's Kylie Atwood, Natasha Bertrand, and Katie Bo Williams contributed to this report.
Havana syndrome
