Image copyright Reuters Image caption A 14th person has now been affected by the symptoms at Canada's embassy in Havana

Canada will cut its embassy staff in Cuba by up to half after a mystery illness affected another person there, authorities in Ottawa have said.

Medical testing after the reappearance of unusual symptoms in November saw a 14th Canadian affected.

Canada's foreign office said the number of staff will now be cut by up to half as a result.

US staff have also been affected by the illness, which causes dizziness, nausea and difficulty concentrating.

Canada has discounted the idea of a "sonic attack" being the cause - a theory previously put forward by the US state department last year.

A statement released by Global Affairs Canada said "employees, spouses and dependents" at the embassy were among the affected, and all were receiving ongoing medical treatment.

While the embassy would remain open and continue to provide full consular services, some functions could be affected in the future, senior Canadian officials told journalists.

Staff numbers will now drop from about 16 to up to eight.

Image copyright AFP/Getty Image caption The US says its staff in Cuba have also been affected by the mystery illness

Canada recalled diplomatic families from Havana in April after some minors started showing the symptoms.

More than a million Canadians visit Cuba each year, but there is no evidence they are at risk.

Cuba has repeatedly denied its involvement. Canada says it has worked in "close cooperation" with Havana since the health problems first came to light in 2017.

Unlike the US, Canada never cut off diplomatic relations with Cuba after its revolution in 1959.

Similar symptoms have affected US embassy staff in China .

A State Department release last year said people should watch for "any unusual, unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena".

A US and a British scientist however have put forward another theory - insect noise.

Their study suggests the sound recorded by US staff in Cuba was in fact the song of the Indies short-tailed cricket .</s>Canada cuts Cuba embassy staff in half after another illness Canada will cut its embassy staff in Cuba by up to half after a mystery illness affected another person there, authorities in Ottawa have said. Josefina Vidal, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, says that reducing embassy staff will not help in finding the source of the problem. Canada and Cuba have been cooperating in trying to find the source of the illnesses, while the Americans have criticized Cuba, fueling speculation that some sort of sinister radio or ultrasonic waves had been targeting the diplomatic corps of the two countries. Vidal said that "Canada's decision made public today is incomprehensible." She added, the decision will "not help find answers to the health symptoms reported by Canadian diplomats, and which will have an impact on the relations." According to the A statement released by After holding Cuba responsible for either carrying out the attacks or failing to protect its officials, the US recalled more than half of its staff and expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from Washington The statement adds that the embassy will remain open, although some services could be affected in the future. Staff numbers will now drop from about 16 to up to eight, the In a briefing for journalists, a Canadian government official said this latest case involves a diplomat who arrived in Cuba last summer and reported symptoms on December 29, 2018. The official added that recently confirmed cases indicate these incidents are still happening. "Overall, we have a multifaceted relationship with Cuba, which is very positive and continues," said another official, according to CBC News. But Vidal struck back, saying that is not how Cuba sees the response. "This behavior favors those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba," said Vidal. Cuba sees the whole issue as the Trump administration's way of rolling back new measures instituted by President Obama to open up relationships with Cuba after decades of animosity and tensions. Anurogryllus celerinictus, the Medical authorities have confirmed this is the 14th unexplained illness in an embassy staff member since 2017. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba has recorded 26 unexplained illnesses in staff members since 2016.Josefina Vidal, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, says that reducing embassy staff will not help in finding the source of the problem. Canada and Cuba have been cooperating in trying to find the source of the illnesses, while the Americans have criticized Cuba, fueling speculation that some sort of sinister radio or ultrasonic waves had been targeting the diplomatic corps of the two countries.Vidal said that "Canada's decision made public today is incomprehensible." She added, the decision will "not help find answers to the health symptoms reported by Canadian diplomats, and which will have an impact on the relations."According to the BBC, Canada has already discounted the theory that radio waves or a "sonic attack" are the cause.A statement released by Global Affairs Canada said: "employees, spouses and dependents" at the embassy were among the affected, and all were receiving ongoing medical treatment.The statement adds that the embassy will remain open, although some services could be affected in the future. Staff numbers will now drop from about 16 to up to eight, the Associated Press reports. In a briefing for journalists, a Canadian government official said this latest case involves a diplomat who arrived in Cuba last summer and reported symptoms on December 29, 2018. The official added that recently confirmed cases indicate these incidents are still happening."Overall, we have a multifaceted relationship with Cuba, which is very positive and continues," said another official, according to CBC News. But Vidal struck back, saying that is not how Cuba sees the response. "This behavior favors those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba," said Vidal.Cuba sees the whole issue as the Trump administration's way of rolling back new measures instituted by President Obama to open up relationships with Cuba after decades of animosity and tensions.Anurogryllus celerinictus, the Indies short-tailed cricket , a species of cricket in the family Gryllidae that is speculated to be the source of the piercing noise being heard by the embassy employees, was not mentioned.</s>Canada withdraws half of its embassy staff from Cuba after another mystery illness

Canada has decided to cut its number of diplomatic staff in Cuba by up to half after another person fell ill, bringing the total to 14 Canadians suffering mysterious symptoms since 2017.

Canadian and US diplomats in Havana first began complaining of dizziness, headaches and nausea in the spring of 2017.

The United States reduced embassy staffing in Cuba to a maximum of 18 from more than 50 after more than two dozen personnel developed unusual illnesses.

Canada's diplomatic staff in Cuba will drop to eight from 16.

A senior Canadian Government official said in a briefing for journalists that the latest case involves a diplomat who arrived in the summer and reported symptoms on December 29.

"A further reduction in the (Canadian embassy) footprint is deemed to be the appropriate response," a Canadian Government official told reporters.

The November incident was the first new Canadian case reported in months, leading to the decision to reduce the remaining staff. Spouses and dependents left last year.

Josefina Vidal, Cuba's ambassador in Canada, issued a statement saying her Government considered the move "incomprehensible," but "Cuba remains committed to keeping the good state of bilateral relations."

Ms Vidal said reducing the embassy staff would "not help find answers to the health symptoms reported by Canadian diplomats." She said the reduction also would help "those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba."

The Cuban Government has been cooperating with a Canadian investigation into the cause of the illnesses, which has not been determined.

"I think I can safely say the Cuban officials are as frustrated as we are that we cannot get any closer to determining a cause," the Canadian Government official told reporters.

Ms Vidal said there was no "evidence that might reveal any brain damage, or that may explain the varied symptoms reported, or that may indicate that these symptoms had occurred due to the stay of the affected diplomats in Cuba".

More than a million Canadians visited the Caribbean island last year, making Canada Cuba's most important tourism market, as it has been for decades.

Canada is also among Cuba's top 10 trading partners, with Canada-Cuba trade totalling $US790 million ($1.08 billion) in 2017.

The mysterious cases at the United States embassy have sent US-Cuba relations plummeting from what had been a high point when the two countries, estranged for a half century, restored full diplomatic ties under former president Barack Obama in 2015.

The US withdrew most of its non-essential diplomatic staff in September 2017 but Canada did not.

Kimberly Breier, the current US assistant secretary of state for the region, noted the latest confirmed Canadian injury in a tweet.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected from Canada and the U.S. We demand the Cuban Government fulfil its obligation to protect foreign diplomats & their families," Ms Breier tweeted.

The US has not said what caused the incidents, although initial speculation centred on some type of sonic attack.

The Canadian official said they have no information to indicate a cause or what or who might be behind it.</s>TORONTO — Canada is removing up to half of the Canadians at its embassy in Cuba after another diplomat was found to have fallen mysteriously ill.

Canada has confirmed 14 cases of mysterious health problems since early 2017. Twenty-six American embassy workers in Cuba have also been affected, suffering a range of symptoms and diagnoses including mild traumatic brain injury, also known as concussion.

Global Affairs Canada said in a statement Wednesday that tests confirmed a 14th case.

Canada said in November it was considering all options regarding its embassy in Cuba after a 13th case was confirmed. Canada is going from about 16 positions for Canadian staff at the Havana embassy to about eight.

Canada will continue to have an ambassador there and officials say full consular services will be available.</s>TORONTO — Canada announced Wednesday it is removing up to half of the Canadians at its embassy in Cuba after another diplomat fell mysteriously ill.

Canada has confirmed 14 cases of unexplained health problems since early 2017. Twenty-six workers at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba have also been affected, suffering a range of symptoms and diagnoses including mild traumatic brain injury, also known as concussion.

Josefina Vidal, Cuba’s ambassador in Canada, issued a statement saying her government considered the move “incomprehensible,” but “Cuba remains committed to keeping the good state of bilateral relations.”

Global Affairs Canada said in a statement Wednesday that tests confirmed a 14th case.

Canada said in November it was considering all options regarding its embassy in Cuba after a 13th case was confirmed. Canada is going from about 16 positions for Canadian staff at the Havana embassy to up to eight.

Canada ordered the families of diplomatic staff in Cuba to return home last April. The 14 Canadians affected includes diplomats and some of their family members. A senior Canadian government official said in a briefing for journalists that the latest case involves a diplomat who arrived in the summer and reported symptoms on Dec. 29. The official said recent confirmed cases demonstrate that these incidents are still ongoing.

Canada will continue to have an ambassador in Havana and officials said full consular services will be available to Canadians. But officials said other programs may be adjusted in the coming weeks and diplomatic staff from outside Cuba might assist.

Cuba is a favorite tourist destination for Canadians and the Canadian government said there is no evidence of any related ailments among Canadian travelers.

A senior Canadian government official said in the briefing that Cuba has been cooperating from the beginning and said Cuban officials are as frustrated as Canadian officials. One official said Canadian relations with Cuba are very strong. Canadian government officials provided a briefing on the latest developments on condition of anonymity.

Cuba has adamantly denied any involvement in the health problem.

Vidal, the Cuban ambassador, said reducing the embassy staff would “not help find answers to the health symptoms reported by Canadian diplomats.” She said the reduction also would help “those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba.”

The mysterious case has sent U.S.-Cuba relations plummeting from what had been a high point when the two countries, estranged for a half century, restored full diplomatic ties under President Barack Obama in 2015.

The U.S. withdrew most of its non-essential diplomatic staff in September 2017 but Canada did not.

Kimberly Breier, the current U.S. assistant secretary of state for the region, noted the latest confirmed Canadian injury in a tweet.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected from Canada and the U.S. We demand the Cuban government fulfill its obligation to protect foreign diplomats & their families,” Breier tweeted.

A Canadian official said government officials are working closely with U.S. officials. The U.S. has not said what caused the incidents, although initial speculation centered on some type of sonic attack. The Canadian official said they have no information to indicate a cause or what might or who might be behind it.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>Canada announced Wednesday it is removing up to half of the Canadians at its embassy in Cuba after another diplomat was found to have fallen mysteriously ill.

Canada has confirmed 14 cases of mysterious health problems since early 2017. Twenty-six American embassy workers in Cuba have also been affected, suffering a range of symptoms and diagnoses including mild traumatic brain injury, also known as concussion.

Global Affairs Canada said in a statement Wednesday that tests confirmed a 14th case.

Canada said in November it was considering all options regarding its embassy in Cuba after a 13th case was confirmed. Canada is going from about 16 positions for Canadian staff at the Havana embassy to up to eight.

Canada ordered the families of diplomatic staff in Cuba to return home last April. The 14 Canadians affected includes diplomats and some of their family members. A senior Canadian government official said in a briefing for journalists that the latest case was reported on Dec. 29.

Canada will continue to have an ambassador in Havana and officials said full consular services will be available to Canadians. But officials said other programs may be adjusted in the coming weeks and diplomatic staff from outside Cuba might assist.

Cuba is a favorite tourist destination for Canadians and the Canadian government said there is no evidence of any related ailments among Canadian travelers.

A senior Canadian government official said in the briefing that Cuba has been cooperating from the beginning and said Cuban officials are as frustrated as Canadian officials. One official said Canadian relations with Cuba are very strong. Canadian government officials provided a briefing on the latest developments on condition of anonymity.

Cuba has adamantly denied any involvement. The mysterious case has sent U.S.-Cuba relations plummeting from what had been a high point when the two countries, estranged for a half century, restored full diplomatic ties under President Barack Obama in 2015.

Kimberly Breier, the current U.S. assistant secretary of state for the region, noted the latest confirmed Canadian injury in a tweet.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected from Canada and the U.S. We demand the Cuban government fulfill its obligation to protect foreign diplomats & their families," Breier tweeted.

A Canadian official said government officials are working closely with U.S. officials. The U.S. has not said what caused the incidents, although initial speculation centered on some type of sonic attack. The Canadian official said they have no information to indicate a cause or what might or who might be behind it.</s>Ottawa is considering slashing its embassy staff in Havana by half after a new case of a diplomat suffering from a mysterious ailment causing dizziness, nausea and possible ear damage was reported on Wednesday.

The unidentified diplomat has become the 14th person in Canada's Cuban embassy to fall victim to the illness, the origins of which are still shrouded in mystery. The diplomat fell ill on December 29, displaying the same concussion-like symptoms as his previously affected colleagues, a senior Canadian official told media on Wednesday. He arrived in Cuba last summer.

The staff of Canada's embassy in Cuba began falling ill after hearing loud piercing sounds beginning in early 2017, just like their American counterparts. The majority of the cases took place in 2017, and more than a year passed before the 13th case was reported in November. At that time, the Canadian government said that it had decided to allow embassy employees in Cuba to leave for Canada if they wished.

After this latest case, the Canadian government may decrease the embassy staff from its current 16 people to 8. The remaining staff would provide full consular services, but some non-essential programs will be reviewed and potentially phased out in the coming weeks, Canadian officials said.

The mysterious health troubles pursuing American and Canadian diplomats in Cuba, which at one point prompted both countries to order employees' families to leave the island, have been the subject of much speculation. Plenty of theories, some more dubious than others, have been proposed to explain the phenomena.

The FBI said last January that it found "no evidence" of futuristic sonic attacks, which long had been rumored as the number one suspect in the case. A study released earlier this month said the noises, which victims of the bizarre impairment complained about, seem to be nothing but insects chirping.

The 'Cuban sonic attack' story started just as the Donald Trump administration reversed the reengagement with Havana launched by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

The Cuban government, which maintains that foreign diplomats are not being targeted by anyone on its soil, has slammed Canada's intent to downsize its mission, calling it "incomprehensible." It has also accused Ottawa of feeding into the anti-Cuban hysteria in the US.

"This behavior favors those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba," the Cuban ambassador to Canada, Josefina Vidal, said in a statement.

Vidal noted that Cuban officials have been closely cooperating with their Canadian counterparts, providing all available evidence and their best experts to determine the root cause of the illness. The ambassador said in that in the course of the investigation, no evidence has been unearthed that supports the claims of any brain damage suffered by the embassy staff. There is also no evidence to indicate that the symptoms described by the diplomats developed during their stay in Cuba, Vidal said, noting that the move "fuels speculation and contrasts with the exchange held by both parties on the matter."

She also argued that by cutting its staff in Havana and adjusting its non-consular services, the Canadian government is no closer to solving the medical riddle.

The Canadian government's move would follow a similar drastic downsizing by the US. Since March, the staff at the American embassy in Cuba has performed only core diplomatic and consular functions.

Like this story? Share it with a friend!</s>Ottawa is considering slashing its embassy staff in Havana by half after a new case of a diplomat suffering from a mysterious ailment causing dizziness, nausea and possible ear damage was reported on Wednesday., a senior Canadian official told media on Wednesday. He arrived in Cuba last summer.The staff of Canada's embassy in Cuba began falling ill after hearing loud piercing sounds beginning in early 2017, just like their American counterparts. The majority of the cases took place in 2017, and more than a year passed before the 13th case was reported in November. At that time, the Canadian government said that it had decided to allow embassy employees in Cuba to leave for Canada if they wished.After this latest case, the Canadian government may decrease the embassy staff from its current 16 people to 8. The remaining staff would provide full consular services, but some non-essential programs will be reviewed and potentially phased out in the coming weeks, Canadian officials said.The mysterious health troubles pursuing American and Canadian diplomats in Cuba, which at one point prompted both countries to order employees' families to leave the island, have been the subject of much speculation. Plenty of theories, some more dubious than others, have been proposed to explain the phenomena.The 'Cuban sonic attack' story started just as the Donald Trump administration reversed the reengagement with Havana launched by his predecessor, Barack Obama.The Cuban government, which maintains that foreign diplomats are not being targeted by anyone on its soil, has slammed Canada's intent to downsize its mission, calling it "incomprehensible." It has also accused Ottawa of feeding into the anti-Cuban hysteria in the US."This behavior favors those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba," the Cuban ambassador to Canada, Josefina Vidal, said in a statement."It is well known that some individuals with high-level positions within US foreign policy are trying very hard to create a climate of bilateral tension seeking to portray our country as a threat."Vidal noted that Cuban officials have been closely cooperating with their Canadian counterparts, providing all available evidence and their best experts to determine the root cause of the illness.There is also no evidence to indicate that the symptoms described by the diplomats developed during their stay in Cuba, Vidal said, noting that the move "fuels speculation and contrasts with the exchange held by both parties on the matter."She also argued that by cutting its staff in Havana and adjusting its non-consular services, the Canadian government is no closer to solving the medical riddle."This decision contrasts with the level, status and presence of Canadian diplomatic staff in other world capitals where they do not enjoy as much safety, tranquility, good health situation, and hospitality as in Cuba."The Canadian government's move would follow a similar drastic downsizing by the US. Since March, the staff at the American embassy in Cuba has performed only core diplomatic and consular functions.</s>Canada has decided to remove up to half of its embassy staff in Cuba after another diplomat fell mysteriously ill – bring the number of confirmed unexplained health cases to 14 since early 2017.

Ottawa confirmed Wednesday that the staff at the embassy in Havana was going from about 16 positions to up to eight. The 14 Canadians affected includes diplomats and some of their family members, officials said.

A senior Canadian government official said in a briefing for journalists that the latest case involves a diplomat who arrived at the Caribbean island in the summer and reported symptoms on Dec. 29.

'SONIC WEAPON' USED ON US DIPLOMATS IN CUBA MAY INSTEAD HAVE BEEN CRICKETS, SCIENTISTS SAY

“A further reduction in the (Canadian embassy) footprint is deemed to be the appropriate response,” an official told reporters, according to Reuters.

Canadian and U.S. diplomats in Havana first began complaining of dizziness, headaches and nausea in the spring of 2017.

Twenty-six workers at the U.S. embassy in Cuba have been affected, suffering a range of symptoms and diagnoses including mild traumatic brain injury, also known as concussion.

The U.S. reduced its embassy staffing in Cuba to a maximum of 18 from more than 50 after more personnel developed unusual illnesses.

Spouses and dependents of Canadian diplomats were ordered to return home last April.

US DIPLOMATS IN HAVANA HAD INNER-EAR DAMAGE, NEUROLOGICAL INJURIES: DOCTORS

Canada said it will continue to have an ambassador in Havana and full consular services will be available for Canadians. However, other programs may be adjusted in the coming weeks and diplomatic staff from outside Cuba might assist.

Josefina Vidal, Cuba's ambassador in Canada, issued a statement saying her government considered the move "incomprehensible," but "Cuba remains committed to keeping the good state of bilateral relations."

“This behavior favors those who in the United States use this issue to attack and denigrate Cuba,” Vidal said.

The Cuban government has been cooperating with a Canadian investigation into the cause of the illnesses, which has not been determined.

“I think I can safely say the Cuban officials are as frustrated as we are that we cannot get any closer to determining a cause,” the Canadian government official told reporters.

Cuba is a favorite tourist destination for Canadians and the Canadian government said there is no evidence of any related ailments among Canadian travelers. One official said Canadian relations with Cuba are very strong.

Cuba has adamantly denied any involvement in the health problem.

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The mysterious case has sent U.S.-Cuba relations plummeting from what had been a high point when the two countries, estranged for a half century, restored full diplomatic ties under President Barack Obama in 2015.

Kimberly Breier, the current U.S. assistant secretary of state for the region, noted the latest confirmed Canadian injury in a tweet.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected from Canada and the U.S. We demand the Cuban government fulfill its obligation to protect foreign diplomats & their families," Breier tweeted.

A Canadian official said government officials are working closely with U.S. officials. The U.S. has not said what caused the incidents, although initial speculation centered on some type of sonic attack. The Canadian official said they have no information to indicate a cause or what might or who might be behind it.

A report published in the preprint journal BioRXiv earlier this month claimed the buzzing may actually have been caused by crickets.</s>TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada has decided to cut the number of diplomatic staff in Cuba by up to half after another person fell ill, Ottawa said on Wednesday, bringing the total to 14 Canadians suffering mysterious symptoms since 2017.

Canadian and U.S. diplomats in Havana first began complaining of dizziness, headaches and nausea in the spring of 2017. The United States reduced embassy staffing in Cuba from more than 50 to a maximum of 18, after more than two dozen personnel developed unusual illnesses.

“A further reduction in the (Canadian embassy) footprint is deemed to be the appropriate response,” a Canadian government official told reporters.

The November incident was the first new Canadian case reported in months, leading to the decision to evacuate much of the remaining staff. Spouses and dependents left last year.

The Cuban government has been cooperating with a Canadian investigation into the cause of the illnesses, which has not been determined.

“I think I can safely say the Cuban officials are as frustrated as we are that we cannot get any closer to determining a cause,” the official said.

Canada is one of Cuba’s most important economic partners. More than a million Canadians visited the Caribbean island last year, making it the most important tourism market, as it has been for decades.

Canada is also among Cuba’s 10 top trade partners, with Canada-Cuba trade totaling $790 million in 2017. This is Cuba’s only trade partnership where the trade balance is in the country’s favor, according to the latest Cuban trade figures.

That is due to a joint venture between Canadian company Sherritt International and state nickel monopoly Cubaniquel, which produces around 60 percent of the island’s nickel plus cobalt, which is then shipped to a joint venture in Canada for refining.
Canada announces that it will withdraw half of its embassy staff in Cuba following the fourteenth confirmed illness since 2017 of a Canadian diplomat in the country.