Canada confirmed on Wednesday there was another case of Canadian diplomatic staff and their family members developing unusual and inexplicable health systems while in Havana, Cuba, which brings the total number to 14, according to Bloomberg.
Canadian government sources said the country made the decision to remove up to half the number of employees posted to Havana.
"The health, safety, and security of our diplomatic staff and their families remain our priority," the statement said.
"The Canadian government continues to investigate the potential causes of the unusual health symptoms experienced by some Canadian diplomatic staff and their family members posted in Havana, Cuba. To date, no cause has been identified."
The last confirmed case of the unusual health symptoms occurred in November 2018 while a number of the staff underwent additional medical testing.
"These tests confirm that an additional employee has symptoms consistent with those of previously affected employees. This brings the total number of affected Canadian employees, spouses and dependents to 14. All affected people will continue to receive medical attention, as required."
Cuban officials have repeatedly denied having any involvement or the claims that they permitted any third countries to attack foreign diplomats in Cuba and Cuban investigators are probing the incidents.
The Canadian government said Canadian travelers to Cuba were not as risk for developing the symptoms which have included headaches, dizziness, and trouble concentrating.
“Canada will continue to have an embassy in Havana, Cuba, headed by an ambassador,” the department said. “Full consular services will be available to Canadians in Cuba. However, some other programs may be adjusted in the coming weeks.”
The decision means as many as eight people will be removed from Cuba, which is Canada's third largest trade partner.
U.S. officials initially thought the symptoms could have come from "sonic weapons" which emitted a powerful beam of energy which could leave neurological damage.
A study about the "Havana Syndrome" was published in March 2018 in the medical journal JAMA which detailed how 21 patients reported experiencing memory issues, trouble concentrating, balancing difficulties, eyesight change, hearing loss, sleep issues, and persistent headaches.
Three people ended up needing hearing aids for moderate to severe hearing loss, with others reporting ringing or pressure in their ears.
The patients described hearing strange noises they thought came from a specific direction, while some felt a vibration or a pressure change.
-WN.com, Maureen Foody
Photo:
AP / Desmond Boylan
