Havana syndrome

Havana syndrome is a label for symptoms reported by some diplomats and government personnel, first in Havana in 2016. Whether the reports share a cause or constitute a distinct illness remains disputed.

National Academies report on anomalous health incidents: A 2020 National Academies review examining possible causes of health effects reported by U.S. personnel abroad. It judged directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy a plausible explanation for some symptoms, while noting evidence limits.
Vestibular disorder: A disorder affecting balance and spatial orientation through the inner ear or its neural pathways. Balance problems were among symptoms reported by some personnel.
Havana: The capital and largest city of Cuba, on the island's northwestern coast. The first widely reported cluster of these health complaints emerged among U.S. personnel stationed there.
Havana Embassy personnel drawdown: The 2017 reduction of U.S. personnel assigned to the embassy in Havana after health complaints were reported. The U.S. government cited the health incidents when it ordered a major staffing reduction.
Intelligence Community assessment of anomalous health incidents: U.S. intelligence assessments evaluating whether foreign actors caused reported anomalous health incidents. Its 2023 public assessment found foreign adversary involvement very unlikely in most cases.
Tinnitus: The perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, without an external sound source. Some reports described unusual sounds alongside other symptoms.
United States Embassy in Havana: The diplomatic mission of the United States in Cuba, located in Havana. Several early reports involved personnel working at or connected with the embassy.
HAVANA Act: A 2021 U.S. law providing compensation to personnel with qualifying brain injuries linked to anomalous health incidents. The reports led Congress to create a compensation pathway for affected government employees.
Anomalous health incidents: A U.S. government term for unexplained health effects reported by personnel and family members in varied locations. This broader designation replaced the geographically specific label in many official discussions.
Mild traumatic brain injury: A brain injury caused by a blow or jolt that temporarily disrupts normal brain function. Some symptoms resembled concussion, but resemblance alone does not establish an injury mechanism.

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Sonic weaponCompared with: Public speculation about acoustic attacks contrasts with investigations that have not established a sonic weapon cause.