Havana syndrome

noun

variants or Havana Syndrome

: a collection of symptoms (such as vertigo, headaches, tinnitus, or blurred vision) that are of sudden onset, may last for weeks, and are often reported to be preceded by a loud or piercing noise, sensation of heat, or intense head pressure : anomalous health incident

While the U.S. is still investigating the matter, five intelligence agencies determined in 2023 it was "very unlikely" that a foreign adversary such as Russia is behind Havana syndrome, even as a byproduct of other suspected activities.

—Nik Popli

"Havana Syndrome" was so named by the media because the first widely reported cases occurred there. … The number of victims is unknown, but as many as 334 Americans with relevant symptoms qualified for care in the military health system.

—U.S. Government Accountability Office

Note: The first reported cases of these symptoms came from United States federal employees working in Havana, Cuba, in 2016. The World Health Organization does not currently recognize Havana Syndrome as an official diagnosis.

Word History

Etymology

so called from initial reports of the syndrome in 2016 by American and Canadian diplomatic personnel in Havana, Cuba

First Known Use

2018, in the meaning defined above