American diplomats treated after a series of unexplained incidents in Havana had health problems including mild traumatic brain injury and central nervous system damage, according to medical records seen by CBS News. The diplomats, some of whom ended up having to leave Cuba, were treated by an American doctor after complaining of symptoms including hearing loss, headaches, and loss of balance. Sources say the diplomats, who lived in homes provided by the Cuban government, began experiencing symptoms in the fall of 2016 after their residences were targeted with what American officials believe was some kind of advanced sonic weapon.
Officials say at least 10 diplomats and embassy employees were affected. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Wednesday that the "unprecedented" incidents "caused a variety of physical symptoms." She said some diplomats were treated in Miami and others were treated by American medical personnel who traveled to Cuba. "What has happened there is of great concern to the US government," she said. "Let me just reassure you that this is a matter that we take very seriously." Officials tell ABC News that the FBI and the State Department are investigating in Cuba. Cuban authorities are assisting the investigation, the officials say. (At least one Canadian diplomat was also targeted.)