What is Havana syndrome, the puzzling malady plaguing Western diplomats?
Potential culprits range from sonic weapons to microwaves—and even nothing at all
Editor’s note (March 2nd 2023): This piece was updated with news of the report on Havana syndrome by American intelligence agencies.
A MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS is afflicting American and Canadian diplomats, spies and embassy staff all over the world. Around 1,500 American employees have reported symptoms. First identified in Cuba, cases have since popped up in Australia, Austria, Colombia, Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan. On March 1st American intelligence agencies concluded that “Havana syndrome” is almost certainly not the work of a foreign adversary, but did not say what might explain the symptoms. Why have they puzzled investigators for so long—and what might be their cause?
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