image source, Getty Images
The first cases of the syndrome were reported at the embassy in Havana, Cuba.
They thought that a foreign power had something to do with it, but everything points to other causes.
The mysterious disease called “Havana syndrome”, which has affected US embassy officials for some years, could be related to stress and other natural causes, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) indicated. its acronym in English).
Since 2016, US diplomats around the world have reported symptoms, prompting suggestions that Russia, China or another adversary could be responsible.
The publication of the CIA findings sparked anger among the more than 1,000 people who say they have exhibited symptoms.
Likewise, the security agency continues to investigate a small number of unexplained cases, in which the role of an adversary has not been ruled out.
Americans affected by the syndrome report dizziness, headaches, and a loud, painful ringing in their ears. First reported in Cuba, cases have since been reported in Geneva, Berlin and elsewhere.
Some officials previously suggested the illness could be caused by microwave attacks, fueling speculation that it was a weapon by a foreign actor.
image source, Getty Images
Staff at the US consulate in Guangzhou, China, reported symptoms of the condition in 2020
Moscow has always denied any involvement.
However, an official told the BBC that while the investigation had made “significant progress”, it found no evidence of a global campaign by a foreign state.
Diseases
The agency concluded that most of what are formally known as anomalous health incidents could be explained by other medical conditions such as undiagnosed illnesses or by environmental factors.
The CIA added that it was “unlikely that a foreign actor, including Russia, is waging a sustained global campaign, targeting US personnel with a weapon or other mechanism.”
Groups representing victims of the disease said they were disappointed by the report’s initial findings.
“Not all cases can be explained. This cannot and should not be the last word on this issue, because (the answer) is not definitive or comprehensive,” said the group for the Defense of the Victims of the Havana Syndrome.
The interim report will not be made public. But the BBC received a statement on behalf of CIA Director William J. Burns, who maintains that the agency’s “commitment to care is unwavering” and that while they had reached some significant interim findings, “We’re not done.”
He added: “We are approaching this complex problem with analytical rigor, strong craftsmanship and compassion, and have dedicated intensive resources to this challenge.
“We will continue our mission to investigate these incidents and provide access to world-class care for those who need it. While the underlying causes may differ, our officers are experiencing real symptoms.”
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