The CIA evacuated an intelligence officer from Serbia who was suffering from symptoms associated with 'Havana Syndrome' as more cases of this mysterious neurological attack continue to affect American spies and diplomats.
This incident in the Balkans - which hasn't been previously reported - happened within recent weeks and continues a troubling uptick in attacks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
About a week ago, a CIA agent fell ill with suspected Havana syndrome while on a work trip to India with CIA director William Burns and another agent experienced the same symptoms about a month ago in Vietnam.
All the unidentified officers reported same symptoms associated with the unexplained syndrome, which include headaches, pain, nausea or vertigo brought on by sounds, pressure or heat.
There have been 200 reported cases of the yet-unexplained illness, which has been colloquially named for its first reported case in 2016 at the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba.
Roughly half of the cases involved CIA officers or their relatives, nearly 60 have been linked to Department of Defense workers or relatives, and about 50 involved State Department personnel.
As of August, the illness had reportedly affected American personnel stationed on every continent excluding Antarctica, including a baby in one case.
There have been 200 reported cases of the yet-unexplained illness, which has been colloquially named for its first reported case in 2016 at the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba, and affected American personnel on nearly every continent except Antarctica
The sonic weapon the could cause Havana syndrome is said to be a smaller version of this 1990s Soviet microwave generator, which is kept at the University of New Mexico
An unidentified CIA officer was evacuated from Serbia after suffering from symptoms associated with the unexplained Havana syndrome. The report comes a week after a second CIA officer travelling to India earlier this month with CIA director William Burns (pictured) suffered the same symptoms
The circumstances surrounding incidents are being investigating, including if the agent in India was targeted because of his proximity to Burns.
'In the past 60 to 90 days, there have been a number of other reported cases' on U.S. soil and globally, Dr. James Giordano, a Georgetown University professor of neurology who is advising the U.S. government on the issue, told The Wall Street Journal.
'They are seen as valid reports with verified health indicators.'
What's causing Havana Syndrome remains a mystery.
Some theorize that the symptoms are caused inadvertently by surveillance equipment; while others believe incidents are caused by a mysterious sonic weapon.
Dr. Giordano told The Wall Street Journal that cause could be some form of ultrasonic or acoustic device; a rapidly-pulsed microwave; or a laser-based system.
He told the newspaper that the intent is unclear but it could be employing an electronic surveillance system with unusual side effects, or 'a discrete form of disruptive instrument,.
'That’s a nice way of saying this is a weapon,' he said.
On September 15, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to DoD employees to report any symptoms of the so-called Havana Syndrome in an effort
