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.

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Etymology

Origin of Havana syndrome

First recorded in 2017

Example Sentences

The House Intelligence Committee is investigating how U.S. spy agencies examined cases of Havana syndrome, a potential challenge by Congress to their conclusions about the mysterious illnesses.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

The inquiry, depending on what it discovers and concludes, could reopen the debate over the causes of Havana syndrome, which quieted after the intelligence community said it was not the result of an adversarial country.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

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

Declassified U.S. intelligence report on "Anomalous Health Incidents," better known as Havana syndrome.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2023

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