A nonprofit organization focused on directed-energy technology safety has released findings from its first annual Civilian Count initiative, showing that women made up the majority of respondents across three national online surveys conducted between March 24 and October 22, 2026. The surveys, part of an effort to document unexplained neurological and cognitive symptoms, collected a total of 354 voluntary, self-reported submissions. The results highlight significant gaps in medical explanation and care for people experiencing symptoms resembling Havana Syndrome.
According to the Direct Energy Weapons Agency, Inc. (DEWA), women represented 61.5% of respondents in the Havana Syndrome Civilian Survey, 52.7% in the Neurological Symptoms Survey, and 60.0% in the Decision-Making Survey. The Neurological Symptoms Survey produced particularly striking findings: 91.1% of respondents reported sudden ear or head ringing, buzzing, or pressure; 78.0% received no explanation for their symptoms; 78.8% sought medical care; and 91.9% reported disruptions to work, sleep, or daily activities.
DEWA is calling for expanded baseline neurological and cognitive testing, increased medical awareness of Havana Syndrome-type symptoms, and appropriate medical evaluations before premature diagnostic conclusions are made. The organization conducts these surveys annually to support research and advocate for improved healthcare resources. The findings underscore the need for greater recognition of these symptoms within the medical community and among policymakers.
The implications for readers are significant. With a large majority of respondents reporting disruptions to daily life and many receiving no explanation for their symptoms, the survey data suggest that individuals experiencing these issues may face diagnostic uncertainty and limited access to appropriate care. For the healthcare industry, the results point to a potential need for better training and protocols for recognizing and evaluating Havana Syndrome-like symptoms. For the broader public, the surveys bring attention to a phenomenon that remains poorly understood and often undocumented.
DEWA emphasizes that the Civilian Count surveys collected voluntary, self-reported responses through online participation via Zoho Surveys, including outreach through social media. The surveys used limited, self-selected samples, and percentages are based on respondents answering each relevant question. Reported symptoms and their causes were not independently medically verified; they reflect what each individual reported experiencing. These caveats are important for interpreting the findings, but they do not diminish the consistency of the reported disruptions and the lack of medical explanations.
As a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2021, DEWA's mission includes advocacy for directed-energy technology safety, civilian incident documentation, victim assistance, research, public education, and legislative advocacy. Through its Civilian Count initiative, DEWA collects voluntary reports of unexplained neurological, cognitive, sensory, and related symptoms to support medical awareness, research discussions, and improved access to healthcare resources. More information about the initiative is available at www.CivilianCount.org.
The release of these survey results arrives as discussions around Havana Syndrome and similar unexplained symptoms continue to evolve. By documenting civilian experiences, DEWA aims to contribute to a broader understanding of these phenomena and to encourage more rigorous medical evaluation. The annual nature of the surveys suggests that future data may help track trends and inform policy decisions. For now, the 2026 findings offer a snapshot of a population reporting significant health concerns and seeking validation and care.
