NJ Drone Sightings Causing Health Issues? Residents Report 'Rhinitis And Swollen Eyes'

The FBI received over 3,000 drone sighting reports, but their purpose and origins remain unclear, with officials dismissing claims of foreign involvement. There is no proof that the drones, which have also been seen in Pennsylvania and New York, are responsible for the strange health issues that have emerged in New Jersey. There have been reports of similar sightings in other states, such as Texas and California, although they are unrelated to the instances in the northeast.

Authored by: Arkaprovo Roy

Updated Dec 14, 2024, 01:23 IST

Representative Image.

Photo : iStock

The FBI has received more than 3,000 drone sighting reports through a tip line established last week, according to testimony during a congressional hearing on Tuesday. Following reports of a "possible drone landing" on Friday, a massive search and rescue effort is still underway in Hillsborough, New Jersey. The FBI has joined the inquiry, and other agencies, including hazmat teams, have been sent to the location.

According to CBS New York, crews are employing both foot patrols and four-wheelers as part of a "wide area search" to find any possible items or evidence connected to the drone activity. Several trucks were visible in the Hillsborough "wide area" operation captured on camera.

Health Complaints Surface Amid Drone Sightings

Unusual health problems have been reported by several New Jersey residents in connection with the drone activities. Media sources received unverified reports that detailed symptoms including rhinitis and watery, puffy eyes. Nevertheless, there is no solid proof that the drone sightings are connected to these health issues.

What Is Rhinitis: Rhinitis is a condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane inside your nose. Symptoms include: runny nose, sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. Although rhinitis typically resolves on its own, a doctor may recommend antihistamines or other drugs. You could require allergy injections if your allergies result in recurrent bouts of rhinitis.

Unsubstantiated Claims of Foreign Involvement

On Wednesday, Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew said that Iran had launched a "mothership" around a month earlier, allegedly in collaboration with China, to get drones and other technology. During a conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh refuted these allegations, saying there was "no evidence" that the drones were connected to any foreign organization or hostile action.

Expanding Reports Across Multiple States

Originally centered in New Jersey, reports of big, hovering drones have recently expanded to Pennsylvania and New York. Residents of New Jersey have reported seeing "car-sized" drones over the past few weeks; these drones frequently fly in groups and hover in the sky for hours at a time.

Residents of Easton, the Slate Belt, and the Poconos reported sightings on Thursday night. In a Facebook post, the Office of Emergency Management for Monroe County acknowledged the claims. In a similar vein, authorities in Orange County, New York, verified many drone sightings that night in a social media announcement.

Broader U.S. Sightings Reported but Unconnected

Similar drone sightings have been reported from California, Texas, and Oklahoma. No proof linking these instances to the cases in the northeast has been discovered by authorities.

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