Another Canadian diplomat in Cuba touched by a mysterious brain injury

Another Canadian diplomat reported traumatic brain injury while in Cuba, bringing to 13 the total number of cases of diplomats and dependents with "unusual health symptoms".

According to a statement from Global Affairs Canada, the affected person is receiving medical care, while the government is continuing research into the possible causes of the so-called Havana syndrome.

"In the light of this new information, it was decided to allow staff currently stationed in Cuba to return to Canada if he wishes," reads the statement.

It has been more than a year since the last report of such an injury to the Canadian Embbady in Havana was reported. Several American and Canadian diplomats and their family members have been treated in the last two years after reporting strange symptoms resembling a concussion.

Both countries believe that their diplomats have been targeted with the help of unknown technology and that the FBI and the RCMP are investigating. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Cuba for the attacks, although officials in Washington and Ottawa say the Cuban government is probably telling the truth when it denies any involvement.

A delegation of senior Canadian government officials will visit Cuba next week to review current operations and determine how to further reduce risks, the statement said.

Long break between attacks

Last winter, Canada made changes to its mission in Havana in response to attacks on 12 diplomats and their families, including children. Havana became an "unaccompanied" post, which meant that family members were no longer encouraged to join diplomacy in Havana.

Canada has also renewed its staff at the embbady and found housing for newcomers in the same complex rather than scattering them in the city in private homes and apartments. The new homes are located near no US diplomatic facility, which reduces the likelihood of confusion between Canadians in Havana and US diplomats.

Prior to the last case, the last Canadian to report symptoms was diagnosed last fall, but believed that the initial attack had occurred earlier in the summer. The most recent case – involving a career diplomat, according to government sources – occurs after almost 18 months without any incidents being reported.

Universities studying the effects

The most recent case should be reviewed by a neurologist at Dalhousie University, who examines the effects of brain damage and its possible causes. Global Affairs Canada also sent some of its diplomats to the University of Pennsylvania, which took the initiative to examine US diplomatic personnel and their family members at the request of the State Department.

Some of the US diplomats surveyed said they heard strange noises before the onset of their symptoms or felt uncomfortable physical sensations.

According to Canadian government sources, of the 12 Canadians previously affected, only one reported experiencing a sensation of waves or pulsations in the air. In all other cases, Canadians became aware of their injuries when they began to experience symptoms.

In the most recent case, the diplomat could not remember any particular incident that could have triggered the symptoms.

Who is behind this?

US officials said the attacks did not match any known technology or weapon, but they thought they were deliberate and targeted. Some scientists have referred to microwave technology as a possible culprit, but neither the United States nor the Canadian government has yet come to an explanation.

The badumption is that the attacks are the work of a state actor present in Cuba, but the timing of the incidents – which began during a period of US-Cuban rapprochement – does not suggest an official involvement of Cuba.

Potential suspects include other governments, such as Russia or China, or rogue elements within the Cuban regime, possibly in collusion with a foreign government.