Women made up the majority of respondents in all three national online surveys conducted by the Direct Energy Weapons Agency, Inc. (DEWA) as part of its first annual Civilian Count initiative, the nonprofit announced. The surveys, held from March 24 to October 22, 2026, gathered voluntary self-reported data on unexplained neurological, cognitive, sensory, and related symptoms often associated with Havana Syndrome.
Women accounted for 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 findings suggest a possible gender disparity in the experience or reporting of these symptoms, though the surveys used limited, self-selected samples and the causes of reported symptoms were not independently medically verified.
The Neurological Symptoms Survey produced several notable results: 91.1% of respondents reported sudden ear or head ringing, buzzing, or pressure; 78.0% said they received no explanation for their symptoms; 78.8% sought medical care; and 91.9% reported disruptions to work, sleep, or daily activities. These figures underscore the substantial impact of such symptoms on individuals’ lives and the challenges they face in obtaining clear diagnoses.
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 Civilian Count initiative collects voluntary reports to support medical awareness, research discussions, and improved access to healthcare resources. More information is available at www.CivilianCount.org.
The 2026 surveys collected 354 submissions across the three surveys through online participation host platform Zoho Surveys, including outreach through social media. Because the samples were self-selected and limited, the percentages reflect the experiences of participating respondents and may not be representative of the broader population. Nevertheless, the consistent overrepresentation of women across all three surveys highlights a pattern that warrants further investigation.
The findings matter because they point to a population that is seeking medical care but often receiving no explanation, and they add civilian perspectives to a phenomenon that has largely been documented among government personnel. DEWA’s push for baseline testing and medical awareness could influence how healthcare providers evaluate and treat patients presenting with these symptoms, while the gender disparity raises questions about biological, environmental, or reporting differences that require more rigorous study.
