The US government is investigating a number of cases of illness among diplomats and embassy staff in the Austrian capital Vienna. More than twenty people have reported complaints similar to Havana syndrome, a condition first identified among diplomats in the Cuban capital Havana.
The symptoms range from dizziness, balance disorders, hearing loss and anxiety to what those affected describe as ‘brain fog’, which manifests itself in concentration problems and forgetfulness, among other things.
US and Canadian diplomats were the first to complain about these symptoms in 2016 and 2017. Its cause is not yet known, but scientists say that the disease is most likely caused by focused electromagnetic rays.
Espionage Center
American scientists discovered slight abnormalities in the brains of patients in 2019. Cuba rejected that inquiry.
The US government is investigating the new cases together with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cases have been reported before outside Havana, but not as many at once as now in Vienna.
Vienna, where many international organizations are located, has long been home to many diplomats and had a reputation as a center of espionage, especially during the Cold War. The US also has a large diplomatic representation there.
International discussions are regularly held, including currently indirect negotiations with Iran on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
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