Several US intelligence agencies reported experience massive spikes in headaches after two Chinese baloons were found in US and Latin American airspace. It is believed to be a case of the famous Havana syndrome, previously used by the Russians in Cuba to spread socialism by influencing directly the brain of its victims.

Critics speculate that it is not Havanna syndrome but rather high doses of alcohol ingestion that caused the spike in headaches, which could be linked to a very festive retirement party the night before. However, no link was found between alcool consumption and sudden headaches.