§ Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence of MS is(a) in North Staffordshire and (b) in the United Kingdom. [114472]
§ Mr. HuttonThe information is not available in the form requested. Figures are not available on the incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in North Staffordshire. However, it is estimated that multiple sclerosis affects between 80–90,000 people in the UK.
Population New cases per year (Incidence) Total number of cases (Prevalence) England (Approx. 50m) 4 per 100,000 (2,000) 100 per 100,000 (50,000) Under 16 2.5 per cent. of all new cases (50) 50 Over 60 2.5 per cent. of all new cases (50) 12,500 Over 70 Very Few 3,750 These figures are derived from epidemiological research studies. These studies all give slightly different figures. The table provides current best estimates for England. National Health Service figures do not provide accurate estimates of the epidemiology of MS. This is because many patients are not admitted to hospital and outpatient diagnostic data are not comprehensive.