Havana syndrome

American  

[huh-vanuh sin-drohm, -druhm] / həˈvænə ˌsɪn droʊm, -drəm /

noun

1. a cluster of diverse, unexplained medical symptoms first reported by U.S. and Canadian embassy staff in Havana, Cuba, in 2016, also reported later by other U.S. government personnel in other locations.

---

Etymology

Origin of Havana syndrome

First recorded in 2017

Example Sentences

Since then, the question has become whether or not the technology has advanced and been weaponized, with suspicions of handheld devices used to induce the symptoms called The Havana syndrome.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2024

Havana syndrome is the name for a collection of debilitating symptoms — including migraines, vertigo and other ailments — first seen in diplomats and spies working at the U.S.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

The report even outlines a possible method of causing Havana syndrome ailments, using small, portable battery-powered devices that employ "commercial off-the-shelf technology."

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2023

Earlier in March, U.S. intelligence sources were quoted as saying they had determined that Havana syndrome was not caused by an energy weapon or foreign adversary.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2023

Mark Zaid, a lawyer who represents several patients with Havana syndrome, said that the assessment would undermine morale and that the intelligence agencies needed to provide more details about their work.

From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2023