| Country | Neuland |
| Location | Not found on maps of our timeline |
| Consequences | Global pandemic that killed millions, intense international scrutiny and controversy over Neuland's handling of the crisis |
| Outbreak Origin | Hummenberg Labs research facility in Neuland, run by the Institute of Virology |
| Catastrophic Event | Hummenberg Virus outbreak (2017) |
Neuland is a country located in a geopolitically complex region of the world, with borders that have shifted significantly over the course of its turbulent history. Formerly a part of a larger federation, Neuland gained its independence in the early 1990s amidst political upheaval and ethnic tensions.
Situated in a mountainous area near the confluence of several major rivers, Neuland has a diverse geography ranging from alpine peaks to temperate forests. The capital city of Hummenberg is located in the country's central region. Neuland has a population of approximately 35 million people, composed of several distinct ethnic and linguistic groups.
The country's economy was historically dependent on natural resource extraction, heavy industry, and agricultural production, though more recently it has begun transitioning towards higher-tech manufacturing and services. Neuland's political system has been described as a semi-authoritarian republic, with a strong central government and restrictions on civil liberties.
Neuland gained global notoriety in 2017 as the epicenter of the devastating "Hummenberg Virus" pandemic. The virus, a highly transmissible and deadly strain of coronavirus, escaped from the Hummenberg Labs research facility operated by Neuland's Neuland Institute of Virology.
Despite stringent biosafety protocols, a breach in the lab's containment systems on March 14, 2017 allowed the virus to spread into the local population around Hummenberg. Attempts by Neuland authorities to contain the initial outbreak were hampered by the virus's rapid transmission, and within weeks it had spread far beyond the country's borders.
Unlike the relatively mild COVID-19 pandemic in our timeline, the Hummenberg Virus proved to be significantly more deadly, with an estimated fatality rate between 10-15%. As the virus spread unchecked around the world, healthcare systems globally were quickly overwhelmed, leading to skyrocketing death tolls.
The pandemic caused massive social and economic disruption on an unprecedented scale. Supply chains collapsed, businesses shuttered, and unemployment soared as governments struggled to respond. Food shortages, civil unrest, and the breakdown of basic services plagued many regions. Global trade and aviation ground to a halt, triggering a severe worldwide recession.
Despite the catastrophic scale of the Hummenberg Virus pandemic, which is estimated to have killed between 30-40 million people worldwide, the origins of the outbreak at Hummenberg Labs remained politically contentious. The Neuland government faced intense international scrutiny and accusations of a coverup, which they vehemently denied. Numerous conspiracy theories emerged, including claims that the virus was engineered as a bioweapon.
Global efforts to contain the virus and develop effective treatments and vaccines were hampered by this lack of international cooperation and transparency. It would take years before the pandemic was brought under control, leaving a lasting impact on the world.
The Hummenberg Labs Virus Incident is now viewed as one of the worst public health disasters in modern history, a cautionary tale about the dangers of novel pathogen research and the critical importance of robust global disease surveillance and response capabilities. Its legacy continues to shape discussions around biosafety, biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness to this day, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from even a single laboratory accident.
The Neuland government's handling of the crisis, and the lingering questions and conspiracy theories surrounding the outbreak's origins, have also had a profound and lasting impact on the country's international reputation and relations. The Hummenberg Virus pandemic remains a deeply traumatic event that has left an indelible mark on the global collective consciousness.
