Havana syndrome is a controversial and disputed medical condition first reported in 2016 among U.S. diplomats and government employees in Havana, Cuba. It is characterized by a range of symptoms including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headaches, a sensation of pressure on one side of the head, dizziness, cognitive problems, hearing loss, and in severe cases, blindness and memory loss. The onset of symptoms is often sudden and sometimes linked to hearing a loud, localized sound. The syndrome has since been reported in various locations globally, affecting over 1,500 U.S. government workers. Despite extensive investigations by multiple U.S. government agencies and scientific bodies, there is no consensus on the cause of Havana syndrome. Theories proposed include directed-energy or radio frequency weapons, psychological and social factors, chemical exposure, and mass psychogenic illness. However, no conclusive clinical evidence supports these claims, and many cases have been linked to other medical conditions or injuries. The legitimacy of Havana syndrome remains contested, with some experts suggesting that stress, social factors, and group psychology play significant roles in the phenomenon. The syndrome is not officially recognized as a distinct disease by the medical community, and ongoing research seeks to clarify its origins and mechanisms. Some recent hypotheses even suggest simpler explanations such as environmental noises (e.g., certain cricket sounds) as potential contributors to the symptoms. In summary, Havana syndrome refers to a set of unexplained and varied health symptoms reported primarily by diplomats, with no definitive cause established to date.
