[Incidence and distribution of multiple sclerosis in Halle District]

An epidemiological study of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the district of Halle, Halle-Neustadt and the area near the river Saale was carried out. We found 178 patients with a definite diagnosis in a total population of 396,529, corresponding to a prevalence of 44.9/100,000. The annual incidence rate was 2/100,000. When probable but not definitely diagnosed cases are included in the count, the estimated prevalence rises to 53.7/100,000 population.