https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/05/...s-confirm/
EXCERPTS: Reports of mysterious health incidents that have led to brain injuries and caused a range of symptoms among government personnel continue to stream in. [...] the total number of US personnel affected is now over 130, according to reports.
The New York Times reported earlier this week that at least three CIA officers have suffered serious health effects from enigmatic episodes that occurred overseas since last December, one of them within the last few weeks. [...] Officials told the Times that the number of cases is now topping 130, up from the previously reported 60 cases, which were mainly among diplomats and their families stationed in Cuba and Guangzhou, China.
Beginning in 2016, diplomats in Havana began experiencing unexplained sounds and sensations that sometimes seemed directional in nature and were accompanied by an abrupt onset of varied symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, balance problems, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), nosebleeds, difficulty concentrating and recalling words, permanent hearing loss, and speech problems. Doctors who examined some of the diplomats reported troubling data suggesting “injury to widespread brain networks without an associated history of head trauma.” While some of those afflicted have recovered, others have been left with long-term debilitating effects.
The condition has been informally dubbed “Havana syndrome,” but it appears it may now be widespread among US personnel.
The new, larger case total includes personnel in the CIA, the State Department, the Defense Department, and elsewhere. The cases also involve more locations in which the mysterious incidents reportedly occurred. In addition to reporting incidents in Cuba and China, personnel have now reported bizarre episodes in Europe, Russia, elsewhere in Asia, and even the US.
[...] The Biden administration is now increasing the intensity of its investigation into the growing number of cases. The CIA has formed a targeting cell, similar in rigor to a group the agency formed to hunt Osama bin Laden after the September 11 attacks, the Times notes. Federal officials are also streamlining medical treatment for victims and trying to standardize incident reports.
[...] Many doctors and scientists have supported the microwave-attack hypothesis. [...] In addition to microwaves, scientists have speculated that the cases could be explained by mass psychogenic illness—essentially a collective delusion—as well as irritating noises from crickets, malfunctioning surveillance equipment, or overexposure to pesticides... (MORE - details)
EXCERPTS: Reports of mysterious health incidents that have led to brain injuries and caused a range of symptoms among government personnel continue to stream in. [...] the total number of US personnel affected is now over 130, according to reports.
The New York Times reported earlier this week that at least three CIA officers have suffered serious health effects from enigmatic episodes that occurred overseas since last December, one of them within the last few weeks. [...] Officials told the Times that the number of cases is now topping 130, up from the previously reported 60 cases, which were mainly among diplomats and their families stationed in Cuba and Guangzhou, China.
Beginning in 2016, diplomats in Havana began experiencing unexplained sounds and sensations that sometimes seemed directional in nature and were accompanied by an abrupt onset of varied symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, balance problems, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), nosebleeds, difficulty concentrating and recalling words, permanent hearing loss, and speech problems. Doctors who examined some of the diplomats reported troubling data suggesting “injury to widespread brain networks without an associated history of head trauma.” While some of those afflicted have recovered, others have been left with long-term debilitating effects.
The condition has been informally dubbed “Havana syndrome,” but it appears it may now be widespread among US personnel.
The new, larger case total includes personnel in the CIA, the State Department, the Defense Department, and elsewhere. The cases also involve more locations in which the mysterious incidents reportedly occurred. In addition to reporting incidents in Cuba and China, personnel have now reported bizarre episodes in Europe, Russia, elsewhere in Asia, and even the US.
[...] The Biden administration is now increasing the intensity of its investigation into the growing number of cases. The CIA has formed a targeting cell, similar in rigor to a group the agency formed to hunt Osama bin Laden after the September 11 attacks, the Times notes. Federal officials are also streamlining medical treatment for victims and trying to standardize incident reports.
[...] Many doctors and scientists have supported the microwave-attack hypothesis. [...] In addition to microwaves, scientists have speculated that the cases could be explained by mass psychogenic illness—essentially a collective delusion—as well as irritating noises from crickets, malfunctioning surveillance equipment, or overexposure to pesticides... (MORE - details)