Health
The Havana syndrome had become a mystery illness with not much known about it, sparking fear into the minds of many people.
Updated : Sep 22, 2021, 12:03 PM IST | Edited by : Vaishnawi Sinha
The Havana syndrome has made headlines in the past few days after its mysterious nature left people confused and unclear. The reports of the syndrome resurfaced earlier this month after a CIA official said he was experiencing symptoms during his visit to India.
The CIA officer who reported symptoms of Havana syndrome was given immediate medical attention during his stay in India. The officer was a part of the team of delegates assisting CIA director William Burns during his India visit. This news panicked a lot of people in the country.
The question of what actually is the Havana syndrome still remains, with not a very clear answer. The cases of this syndrome were first reported in 2016, when several US diplomats visited Cuba and later, said that they were experiencing unusual discomfort and nausea.
The main symptoms of Havana syndrome include nausea, severe headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, and hearing loss. According to reports, one of the US personnel affected by the syndrome still requires a hearing aid.
Other reports have suggested that the symptoms of Havana syndrome can cause semi-permanent brain damage. The around 200 US personnel and their families reportedly experienced the symptoms of the syndrome for months.
There have been several theories regarding the causation of the Havana syndrome to date. The most popular cause suggested for this syndrome is microwaves. Studies stated that a sonic attack was the reason behind these symptoms being experienced by US personnel.
Other causes that have been suggested for this syndrome are ultrasound, ultrasonic signals, pesticides, infectious agents, and even crickets. Some researchers have dismissed the Havana syndrome completely, stating that it is a psychological phenomenon caused when you are in a stressful environment.
To date, there is no specific treatment allocated to those who are experiencing symptoms of this syndrome. Since the exact cause of the syndrome is not known yet, there is no certified treatment for it. Medical aid is usually provided to the victim of this illness, with a basic treatment for nausea and dizziness.