Why in the News?
A renewed debate has emerged in the United States over Havana Syndrome after reports that the United States Department of Defense has been testing a covertly acquired device capable of emitting pulsed radio frequency energy, according to a report by CNN.
What is Havana Syndrome
- Also officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs)
- First reported in 2016 by US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba
- Symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Cognitive difficulties and memory issues
- Sensations similar to head trauma without visible injury
- Since then, cases have been reported across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa
- Affected personnel include:
- Diplomats
- Intelligence officers
- Military personnel
Why It Is Difficult to Diagnose
- No single, universally accepted medical definition
- Delayed clinical examinations in many cases
- Symptoms overlap with stress related and neurological disorders
- Lack of direct physical evidence in most incidents
Cause:
Havana Syndrome, officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), does not have one conclusively proven cause.
- Pulsed electromagnetic / microwave energy: Most plausible explanation. Can cause neurological symptoms without visible injury.
- Possible directed-energy device exposure: Suspected use of portable energy-emitting devices for covert harassment or surveillance.
- Psychological and stress-related factors: High-stress diplomatic environments may have contributed in some cases.
- Acoustic (sound-based) causes: Initially suspected but largely ruled out due to weak scientific support.
- Environmental or chemical exposure: Considered but no common toxin identified across locations.
| [2010] Consider the following:
1. Bluetooth device 2. Cordless phone 3. Microwave oven 4. Wi-Fi device Which of the above can operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of radio frequency band? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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