Mystery illness baffles officials

CANADIAN DIPLOMATS WHO FELL ILL IN HAVANA UNABLE TO WORK, HAVING RELAPSES

A handful of Canadian diplomats who mysteriously fell ill in Cuba last year have been unable to return to work even as investigators struggle to pinpoint the cause of their symptoms.

A Global Affairs Department official says most of the seven employees suffering dizziness, headaches and trouble concentrating are working in various new roles.

But some have been too unwell to do so, while others still experience adverse effects. Five children have also had problems.

“People have good days and bad days, depending on how much they take on,” the official said. “Some are unable to work.”

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the file, says investigators are toiling to find the origin of the ailments, which also struck several American diplomats in Havana.

Officials have all but ruled out environmental factors — such as toxins in the air, soil or water — and no longer suspect some kind of sonic attack is to blame.

One thing is clear, the official said: the illnesses, whatever the cause, are genuine.

“The evidence that we’ve seen really underlines the fact that people have experienced very real health impacts.

“Our empathy and sympathy is with them entirely. We meet with them very frequently to discuss concerns and to try and resolve them. It’s an ongoing process.”

An RCMP investigation remains active and a government task force meets regularly to gauge progress. Canada has been working with the U.S. and Cuban authorities on the puzzle.

“It’s very frustrating to be experiencing health impacts and not know the cause,” the official said.

Ottawa acknowledged in August 2017 that an unspecified number of Canadians in Cuba had been affected.

But as early as May of last year, Canada’s mission in Havana was seeking help in working out “next steps” for Canadian staff having problems, according to records that became public early this year.