Havana syndrome first came to the fore when it affected US intelligence officers and embassy staffers who were stationed in Havana, Cuba in 2016. It slowly spread, affecting American diplomats in different parts of the world, as new cases were reported.

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According to researchers, who investigated the condition, said that the Havana Syndrome was initially discredited as mass hysteria or a reaction that was caused by psychosomatic causes. Further probe revealed that the condition may be a result of microwave weaponry.

This condition has been mostly reported by diplomats, intelligence officers, military personnel, and their family members who were deployed on foreign soil.

As per reports, Havana syndrome is not only distressing but is reported to have a longer effect has affected more than 130 people to date.

Symptoms:

As per reports, the infected diplomates in 2016 said that they heard a massive piercing sound at night followed by intense pressure in the face. Then came pain, nausea, and dizziness. While they stopped hearing sound after a few moments, the pain sustained along with dizziness. They also had trouble concentrating.

The infected said that in the following years they experienced confusion, nausea, and disorientation. These generally started with sudden onset of pain and pressure in the head and ears. Apart from having problems with concentration, brain fog, memory problems, light sensitivity, and sleep-related complaints were reported.

The long-term effects of Havana syndrome:

-Migraine

-Vision problems

-Squinting

-Recurrent vertigo

-Nosebleeds

Cause of Havana syndrome:

The most likely cause, as per media reports, is believed to be some type of mechanical device that emits ultrasonic or microwave energy. The radiofrequency that emit from the bioweaponry possibly create microbubbles in the fluid inside a person’s ear.

When those bubbles travel through the blood into the brain, they cause an embolus, resulting in cell damage that is similar to decompression sickness.

Another possible explanation of the syndrome could be the direct penetration of radiofrequency waves into the skull, disrupting electrical and chemical activity in the brain.

Meanwhile, it is to be noted that is Havana syndrome, which is debilitating in nature, is not fatal.

How is Havana syndrome treated?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of affected individuals show changes in the brain’s white matter that basically means a change in brain activity. It could likely be treated by art therapy, meditation, breathing exercises, and acupuncture.

What is the HAVANA Act?

The US Senate unanimously passed the HAVANA Act on July 6, 2021, to extend support to Americans who have been affected by the illness. The HAVANA Act is called Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks.