Havana Syndrome

This episode is part 2 in my Summer Series on Mysterious Sounds. Tonight I’ll be investigating the constellation of symptoms that are collectively known as Havana Syndrome. Havana Syndrome is a mysterious illness that was first officially detected at the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba in 2016. From 2016 to 2017, diplomats and staff suddenly developed surprising symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, and other neurological issues. An investigation was launched, and US officials accused the Cuban government of carrying out sonic attacks on American citizens. (Cuba denied this.) Havana Syndrome wasn't just linked to the American embassy—at least 14 staffers at the Canadian embassy in Cuba also had symptoms. Since then, more instances have been reported around the world, with The New York Times reporting that at least three CIA officers have reported serious health issues from Havana Syndrome episodes while serving overseas. The syndrome is likely caused by a microwave weapon or directed-energy device. Many of the distinctive and acute signs, symptoms, and observations reported by government employees are consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed radio frequency energy. However, previous research published by both Western and Soviet sources provides only circumstantial support, at best, for this possible mechanism. Well then, what, exactly, is Havana Syndrome? Who is doing this to our government employees and how can it be stopped? To learn more, you’ll have to Turn On, Tune In, & Find Out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices