1-in-700 (NIAID) ... see also overview of Multiple Sclerosis.
approx 1 in 700 or 0.14% or 388,571 people in USA [Source statistic for calcuation: "1-in-700 (NIAID)" -- see also general information about data sources]
For details see prevalence of types of Multiple Sclerosis analysis; summary of available prevalence data:
Ophanet, who are a consortium of European partners, currently defines a condition rare when if affects 1 person per 2,000. They list Multiple Sclerosis as a "rare disease". More information about Multiple Sclerosis is available from Orphanet
Multiple sclerosis afflicts 1 in 700 people in this country. (Source: excerpt from Understanding Autoimmune Disease: NIAID)
The following statistics relate to the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Multiple Sclerosis.
The exact cause of MS is unknown, but current theories suggest a slow-acting or latent viral infection and an autoimmune response. Other theories suggest that environmental and genetic factors may also be linked to MS. Emotional stress, overwork, fatigue, pregnancy, and acute respiratory tract infections have been known to precede the onset of this illness.
MS usually begins between ages 20 and 40. It affects more women than men. A family history of MS and living in a geographical area with higher incidence of MS (northern Europe, northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand) increase the risk.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
The term 'prevalence' of Multiple Sclerosis usually refers to the estimated population
of people who are managing Multiple Sclerosis at any given time.
The term 'incidence' of Multiple Sclerosis refers to the annual diagnosis rate,
or the number of new cases of Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed each year.
Hence, these two statistics types can differ:
a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence,
but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence.
For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
Footnotes:
1. Rose and Mackay, 1998, The Autoimmune Diseases, Third Edition
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