Direct Energy Weapons Agency, Inc. (DEWA) has completed its first annual Civilian Count initiative, consisting of three national online surveys conducted from March 24 to October 22, 2026. The surveys focused on Havana Syndrome-like symptoms, neurological symptoms, and decision-making. Across all three surveys, women represented the majority of respondents: 61.5% 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 yielded 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. These statistics underscore the significant impact of unexplained neurological symptoms on individuals' daily lives and the challenges they face in obtaining clear diagnoses and effective care.
In response to these findings, DEWA calls for expanded baseline neurological and cognitive testing, increased medical awareness of Havana Syndrome-type symptoms, and appropriate medical evaluations before premature diagnostic conclusions. The organization emphasizes that such measures are critical to ensuring that individuals experiencing these symptoms receive timely and appropriate care, and to advancing research into the causes of Havana Syndrome.
The Civilian Count initiative, which conducts these surveys annually, aims to support research and advocate for improved healthcare resources. DEWA, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2021, focuses on advocacy for directed-energy technology safety, civilian incident documentation, victim assistance, research, public education, and legislative advocacy. Through Civilian Count, 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 is available at www.CivilianCount.org.
The 2026 surveys collected voluntary, self-reported responses via online participation host platform Zoho Surveys, including outreach through social media, with a total of 354 submissions across the three surveys. The surveys used limited, self-selected samples, and percentages are based on respondents answering each relevant question. Findings reflect the experiences of participating respondents. Reported symptoms and their causes were not independently medically verified; they are based on what each individual reported they are experiencing.
The implications of these findings are significant. The female majority among respondents may indicate a gender disparity in symptom reporting or experience, which warrants further investigation. The high rates of unexplained symptoms, medical care seeking, and daily disruptions highlight the need for better medical recognition and support for those affected. DEWA's call for baseline testing and increased awareness could lead to earlier interventions and improved quality of life for individuals with Havana Syndrome-like symptoms. Moreover, the survey results contribute to the ongoing dialogue about directed-energy technology safety and the importance of documenting civilian incidents. As the first annual Civilian Count, these surveys establish a baseline for future research and advocacy, potentially shaping healthcare policies and resources for affected individuals.
