A senior Defense Department official who attended the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, experienced symptoms similar to those reported by U.S. officials with “Havana syndrome,” a series of health problems dating back to 2016. This syndrome includes sudden unexplained head pressure, head or ear pain, and dizziness. The Pentagon confirmed the official’s symptoms on Monday, although the specific individual was not identified. The mysterious incidents were reported in a “60 Minutes” report, which suggested that Russia may be behind them, particularly during the 2023 NATO summit. The investigation is ongoing, with the intelligence community looking into the matter to determine any potential foreign involvement.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence previously found it “unlikely” that a foreign adversary was responsible for the incidents causing Havana syndrome in its 2024 threat assessment. The State Department also expressed confidence in this assessment, stating that the intelligence community has extensively investigated the issue. Despite these findings, the investigation continues as new information emerges. The lack of scientific evidence supporting the existence of Havana syndrome was highlighted by Mitchell Valdés-Sosa, the foremost Cuba-based researcher on the incidents, who stated that the “60 Minutes” report failed to provide a valid basis for the diagnosis. Symptoms such as balance problems, sleep issues, dizziness, and difficulties concentrating could have many causes, according to Valdés-Sosa.
The affected defense official who experienced Havana syndrome symptoms was not part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s official traveling delegation but was separately attending meetings related to the NATO summit in Vilnius. The official’s subsequent medical care was not disclosed due to medical privacy regulations. The Pentagon’s health care system has established a registry for employees or their dependents to report such incidents. However, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in March found no brain injuries or degeneration among U.S. diplomats and government employees with Havana syndrome symptoms despite the reported health issues.
The ongoing investigation into Havana syndrome continues to raise questions regarding its origins and potential involvement of foreign adversaries. The mysterious nature of the symptoms reported by U.S. officials, including the defense official who attended the NATO summit in Vilnius, underscores the need for further research and understanding of this phenomenon. As experts like Mitchell Valdés-Sosa continue to analyze the evidence and remain skeptical of the claims, it becomes increasingly challenging to definitively attribute Havana syndrome to a specific cause. The Pentagon and intelligence community will continue their efforts to uncover the truth behind these incidents, working to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by these health problems.
