Breaking news reveals that the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) in the USA published a report, indicating directed microwave radiation as the likely cause for Havana Syndrome. The Havana Syndrome was a series of mysterious health incidents that began in late 2016. U.S. diplomats and employees stationed in the Cuban capital, Havana, reported feeling ill after hearing strange sounds and experiencing unusual physical symptoms. These symptoms ranged from nausea, severe headaches, fatigue and dizziness to sleep issues and hearing loss.
Chronic Effects of Havana Syndrome
Further issues experienced by the personnel in Havana were chronic in nature, including mainly problems with vestibular processing, cognitive difficulties, insomnia and persistent headaches. While some of those affected have recovered, others continue to suffer from these serious health effects, significantly impacting their work and normal life activities.
About the NAS Report on Havana Syndrome
The comprehensive report by the NAS investigated four potential causes behind these symptoms: infection, chemicals, psychological factors, and finally, microwave energy. This report stands as the most explicit and detailed estimation of what might have happened, compared to previous attempts made by other government agencies.
Findings of the Report
According to the report, directed pulsed microwave radiation energy is indicated as the most plausible explanation behind Havana Syndrome. By defining the energy as “directed” and “pulsed,” the report clarifies that the exposure was targeted and did not come from conventional microwave energy sources. Patients reported immediate symptoms such as pain and a buzzing sound, seemingly originating from a specific direction or location within a room.
Potential Future Threats
The report warns about potential future cases and encourages the establishment of a response mechanism for similar incidents. It also suggests that future incidents might be more widespread and even harder to identify quickly. Although the report doesn’t exclude other possible causes or mention if the source deliberately delivered the energy, it does discuss research on microwave weapons.
USA’s Reactions to the Report
Although the USA praised the NAS for its efforts, they also underscored that each suggested cause still remains speculative. Furthermore, the USA drew attention to the committee’s restricted access to certain information due to potential security concerns. The U.S. government has made provisions in the new defense authorization bill to offer long-term emergency care benefits to government employees affected by the syndrome.
About Microwave Weapons
Microwave weapons, a type of direct energy weapon, aim highly-focused sonic, laser, or microwave energy at a target. The high-frequency electromagnetic radiations heat the water in the human body, causing discomfort and pain. Several countries, including China and the USA, are believed to have developed these weapons to target both humans and electronic systems.
Concerns about Microwave Weapons
Serious concerns have been raised about whether these microwave weapons can damage eyes, have a long-term carcinogenic impact, or even kill or cause permanent damage in human targets. People exposed to high-intensity microwave pulses have reported hearing clicking or buzzing sounds seemingly emanating from within their own heads.
