Advertisement
Explainer | What is Havana Syndrome, the mysterious illness afflicting US diplomats from China to Vietnam?
- US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ trip to Vietnam was delayed by reports of the illness, which has sickened dozens of American embassy workers since 2016
- A report commissioned by the US State Department concluded that ‘directed, pulse radio frequency energies’ were the most likely cause
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
24
US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ flight from Singapore to Vietnam on Tuesday took off three hours later than scheduled, after concerns about an “anomalous health incident” in Hanoi.
The US State Department has frequently used that phrase to describe the so-called Havana Syndrome, a mysterious condition that has been reported by dozens of American diplomats and intelligence officials worldwide, including in China, Austria and Cuba, over the past five years.
NBC News later reported that at least two US diplomats would be medically evacuated from Vietnam. Officials who spoke to NBC News said the people had experienced “anomalous acoustic incidents here in Hanoi” in their homes, not at the US embassy.
Advertisement
Most US staff in Vietnam are currently working from home due to Vietnam’s lockdowns as part of combating a surge in Covid-19 cases. A senior official said it was not the first time such cases were reported in Vietnam but investigations did not yield any confirmation.
03:28
In Singapore, US VP Harris talks about South China Sea, US exit from Afghanistan and Covid-19
In Singapore, US VP Harris talks about South China Sea, US exit from Afghanistan and Covid-19
Victims of Havana Syndrome have described symptoms such as brain fog, migraines, nausea and even permanent brain damage after hearing strange sounds, including a loud clicking noise, or feeling a sensation of pressure.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x