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

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

From Salon

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.

From Salon

As Zaid said on the “Just Ask the Question” podcast this week, the roots of the “Havana syndrome” could be traced back to the “Moscow Signal,” an event that occurred during the Cold War.

From Salon

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

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.

From Salon