Some U.S. Diplomats in Cuba Treated for Mysterious Health Issues

A U.S. doctor, who evaluated American and Canadian diplomats working in Havana, Cuba, diagnosed them with conditions as serious as traumatic brain injury, reports CBS News.

CBS News reviewed medical records in which the diplomats complained about symptoms ranging from “hearing loss and nausea to headaches and balances disorders.” This was after the State Department said “incidents” began affecting the diplomats beginning late 2016.

A source told CBS that officials are now investigating whether the diplomats were targets of a type of sonic attack directed at their homes, which provided by the Cuban government. Reports of more attacks affecting U.S. embassy workers in Cuba continue, according to the same source. Some diplomats have even cut their time in Cuba short because of the attacks.

The diplomats underwent comprehensive audiological evaluations and a slew of other tests. The doctor, who was among several who reviewed their cases, included a warning in the medical records about “the health risks of future exposures.” They have also been subjected to other harassment, such as home break-ins and constant surveillance.

CBS News received a statement from the University of Miami Health System, which confirmed its physicians were “consulted” by the State Department on its diplomats in Cuba.

A statement from the university explains that “the expertise of our physicians and researchers across a variety of fields naturally positions us to assist in these matters, and we consider it our obligation and responsibility to share that knowledge as needed,” but that patient privacy still stands as a top priority.

The State Department has reminded Cuban authorities that it is one of their international obligations to protect diplomats, even though the source of the attack is unclear.

“We hold the Cuban authorities responsible for finding out who is carrying out these health attacks on not just our diplomats but, as you’ve seen now, there are other cases with other diplomats involved,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters earlier this month, writes CBS.

Cuba has denied any involvement in the attacks, according to CBS.