Named after Margot Cuvier, the Cuvier Syndrome was a disease caused by exposure to the Black Sun. The effects were permanent, irreversible petrification. Extended exposure was instantly fatal, but apparently shorter bouts of exposure would delay the inevitable death for a while (enough for several victims to seek medical attention). The Atma virus was the only thing that afforded protection against Cuvier Syndrome. Their search would have been fruitless anyway, as it is eventually stated the Cuvier Syndrome is incurable.