Havana syndrome

[huh-vanuh sin-drohm, -druhm]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Havana syndrome¹

First recorded in 2017

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, if you’re still wondering what is real and what isn’t, the CIA, according to a whistleblower, lied to Congress and the FBI about the “Havana Syndrome.”

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Often referred to as “Havana Syndrome”, AHIs became widely known when American officials and their families living and working in the U.S.

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Salon reported in March, 2023 that a then-newly obtained declassified report prepared for the director of national intelligence by a panel of experts appears to show conclusively that "Havana syndrome" — a cluster of unexplained symptoms experienced by diplomats and government personnel abroad — is not a naturally occurring health problem.

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This is especially true when it comes to the so-called Havana syndrome – a generic term used to describe a variety of symptoms that have plagued diplomats and embassy workers since it first came to light in Havana, Cuba nearly a decade ago.

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It is unlikely, however, according to reliable sources that the U.S. government is responsible for causing Havana syndrome.

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