A mysterious malady that can damage eyesight has afflicted 45,822 Cubans, by far the largest epidemic of the disease in medical history, the U.N. Department of Humanitarian Affairs said Friday in Geneva.

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The spread of optical neuritis has slowed since first reported in western Cuba last year, it said. Still, the latest figures show 1,190 new cases during the week beginning June 19, compared with 1,478 cases the week before.The disease inflames the optic nerve or other nerves in the body. Experts say it is not contagious. The cause is unknown.

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