US compensates Havana Syndrome victims

The US government has made its first compensation payments to personnel affected by Havana Syndrome, a mysterious neurological condition reported by diplomats and intelligence officers since 2016. The Department of Defense disbursed nearly $3 million under the Havana Act, signed into law in 2021. The largest individual payment was about $497,000, and over 40 claims have been approved. Havana Syndrome symptoms include headaches, dizziness, hearing problems, and memory loss. Cases have been reported in Cuba, China, Europe, and elsewhere. In early 2025, a US intelligence assessment concluded it was 'very unlikely' a foreign adversary was responsible, though some within the intelligence community disagree. The payments represent the first such compensation under any presidential administration.