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Hanoi — US officials continue to investigate two possible cases of so-called Havana Syndrome health accidents that delayed Vice President Kamala Harris’ trip from Singapore to Vietnam.
The investigation was in its infancy and officials considered it safe to make the planned stop in Vietnam after Harris first paused for a few hours on Tuesday. Havana Syndrome is the name of a mysterious health incident rash that was first reported by American diplomats and other civil servants in the Cuban capital in 2016. During her trip, Harris reassures her Asian allies after the turbulent evacuation of US troops from Afghanistan.
White House spokesman Jen Psaki said Tuesday that US officials had not yet confirmed the latest reported case of Havana syndrome and that no one traveling with Harris was involved. In light of the report, “an assessment of the Vice President’s safety was made and it was decided that she could continue traveling with the staff,” Pusaki said.
According to US officials, there have been two separate cases of unexplained health accidents reported by US personnel in Vietnam within the past week. Officials not allowed to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation said the authorities were not the Vice President or the White House workers, but soon who was affected by the syndrome. Was not clear to.
On Wednesday, Harris appeared in front of US diplomatic staff in Hanoi, where he signed a lease to the new embassy. She was not directly involved in the Havana Syndrome situation, but thanked people working in the United States around the world.
“My message to the embassy staff is: Thank you. People working at our embassies around the world are extraordinary representing the best of what the United States believes in and aims for. Being a civil servant, it’s a good neighbor for our partners and our allies around the world, “she said. ..
On Wednesday, Harris emphasized the announcement that the United States would send one million additional doses of Pfizer vaccine to Vietnam, bringing the total number of US vaccine donations to that country to six million.
The United States will also provide $ 23 million to help Vietnam expand vaccine distribution and access, combat pandemics, and prepare for future illness threats. The Pentagon also provides 77 freezers to store vaccines nationwide.
Some people affected by Havana Syndrome report hearing loud piercings and feeling strong pressure on their faces. Pain, nausea, and dizziness may persist.
Since then, similar unexplained health problems have been reported by Americans serving in other countries such as Germany, Austria, Russia and China. Various theories have emerged to explain the incident, such as targeted microwave and sonic attacks, perhaps as part of espionage and hacking activities.
Of particular concern are the exposure of at least two possible incidents in the Washington area, including one near the White House in November, officials reporting dizziness. Moscow denies that government officials speculate that Russia may be involved.
Congress has warned of such cases and is a rare bipartisan in the House and Senate about ongoing government-wide investigation and response to the syndrome, and support for American personnel undergoing medical oversight and treatment. I found help.
The Biden administration is facing new pressure to solve the mystery as the number of reported cases of possible attacks is increasing exponentially. But scientists and government officials are still wondering if the surveillance device could have inadvertently caused the symptoms, or if the incident was actually an attack and who was behind the attack. I’m not sure.
Alexandra Jaffe and Jonathan Remia
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