The term “Havana Syndrome” was first used after 2016’s peculiar health incidents affecting CIA agents, diplomats, and other federal officials serving in Havana. The affected individuals reported experiencing heat, pressure, vibrations, sensations similar to riding in a car with the window slightly rolled down, and hearing strange sounds.
These strange sensations and noises lasted between 20 to 30 minutes. After the sensations, the affected individuals would start exhibiting nausea, dizziness, and headaches that deteriorate with time, causing some of the affected individuals to leave active service.
Biden Administration’s Efforts
Last year the Biden administration developed a tool to evaluate injuries and symptoms exhibited by individuals affected by Havana Syndrome. This year, the administration has renewed its efforts to improve the tool’s efficiency.
According to State Department officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, the next section of the tool is focused on evaluating symptoms of depression and anxiety among individuals affected by the Syndrome by incorporating a standardized battery of tests and questions that would help evaluate psychological conditions.
According to officials, this addition comes in the wake of reported physiological problems associated with the Syndrome’s patients.
Tool Not To Be Used for Diagnoses
The tool’s purpose is not to diagnose symptoms of Havana Syndrome. It aims to determine the kind of help needed by individuals suspected of being affected by the Syndrome. “While the federal government has refined the tool to attain very high standards, it will not be used to determine persons qualifying for compensation under Havana Act,” said Attorney Arren Waldrep of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP. Havana Act is new legislation that will allow for financial support to federal officials affected by the Syndrome in the line of duty.
Since 2016, there have been over 700 suspected cases of Havana Syndrome among government officials. Still, the government has ruled out many of the cases based on expert symptoms evaluation. Currently, as many as 200 cases remain unresolved, with the government still investigating them for possible Havana Syndrome. Unfortunately, there is no medical test to distinguish between individuals affected by the Syndrome from those suffering from different ailments with similar symptoms five years after the Syndrome was first reported.
The Symptoms and Causes
Investigators are yet to come up with a definitive answer to the cause of the ailment, but many experts hold that it is probably caused by directed energy, with microwaves being the highest possibility.
The government relies largely on symptoms that include an initial sensation of heat, pressure, and vibrations, followed by symptoms that include headaches, nausea, extended vertigo, and ringing in the years to establish a possible Havana Syndrome case. According to the officials, there is an evident consistency in the symptoms that has helped eliminate patients suffering from other ailments, thus refining the tool.
Early last year, through the CIA, the Biden administration initiated investigations into the cause of the Havana Syndrome, but there hasn’t been much yet in terms of findings. However, the government holds that the injuries are real, and investigation will continue until the cause is established. On the bright side, the Biden administration has until April 2022 to craft laws to allow for compensation for officials affected by the Syndrome in the line of duty.
