State Dept. Says US 'Vigorously' Probing Unexplained Health Incidents Among Vienna Staff

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is vigorously investigating mysterious health incidents similar to the Havana Syndrome among its diplomatic personnel in Vienna, US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price said in a press briefing on Monday.

"We are vigorously investigating reports of possible unexplained health incidents among the US Embassy community there [in Vienna] and we're also doing that wherever these incidents are reported," Price said. "We have made clear that any employee who has reported a possible unexplained health incident… has what she or he needs to seek immediate and appropriate attention and care."

Earlier on Monday, the US and Austria announced the launch of a joint investigation into Havana Syndrome cases among personnel in Vienna. Over twenty US embassy staffers reported symptoms consistent with Havana Syndrome, which include hearing strange noises that are sometimes felt as vibrations or pressure.

US diplomats in Cuba and China have also reported cases of the mysterious syndrome since 2016. A government study into the phenomenon concluded that it may be some sort of directed energy weapon.

Last month, the US Senate passed legislation that gave greater powers to the heads of several agencies including the CIA and State Department to provide financial and medical support to personnel impacted by Havana Syndrome.