HAVANA: The United States has issued its first compensation payments to government personnel affected by “Havana Syndrome”, a mysterious illness reported by American diplomats in Cuba capital.
The US Department of Defense announced Friday that it has distributed nearly $3 million under the HAVANA Act, marking the first payments made through the program by any US administration.
Defense officials said supporting affected personnel remains a top priority. The department added that it will continue to improve medical care, promote scientific research and ensure transparency while investigating the condition.
Havana syndrome first came to public attention in 2016, when US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba, reported hearing unusual high pitched sounds before experiencing unexplained health problems.
Those affected later reported symptoms including severe headaches, dizziness, vision problems and nosebleeds. Similar cases were later reported by US personnel serving in China, Europe and Washington, D.C.
In 2017, the United States withdrew non-essential staff from its embassy in Havana and expelled several Cuban diplomats. At the time, officials suspected the illnesses could have been caused by microwave energy or another form of electronic attack.
However, a US intelligence review released in early 2025 concluded that it was very unlikely a foreign government or adversary was responsible for the reported cases.
The Biden administration also reopened the US immigration office in Havana in 2023, signaling a shift in policy as concerns about the illness eased.
Defense officials said the department will continue studying Havana Syndrome while providing medical and financial support to affected employees.
