Distribution of Multiple Sclerosis in Puerto Rico: Important after Hurricane Maria Aftermath

Background: The Puerto Rico Multiple Sclerosis (PRMS) registry has allowed for the mapping of MS patients across PR through the implementation of area zones. This allows for more targeted implementation of treatments and aids to the most affected zones. This registry has been fundamental in establishing that PR has a high MS prevalence and incidence (70.1/100,000 persons and 6.7/100,000, respectively) when compared to Latin American Countries. Hurricane Maria, the worst natural disaster in the history of PR, devastated the island in September 20, 2017 leaving many individuals without basic needs. It also left them without modes of communications since 62% of the municipalities did not have cellular signal. According to official government statements, 90% of the island was left without power including healthcare providers and emergency response hospitals. More so, access to medication was paralyzed. This all caused patients to have less than optimal living conditions to control MS symptoms. In some cases, this even led to relapses.  

Objectives: Establish how the PRMS registry helped provide relief efforts after Hurricane Maria 

Methods: The PRMS registry was used to establish the location of MS patients across PR. 2784 patients were analyzed. The island was divided into 7 zones for simplification. Zone 1 is considered the metropolitan area. Zones 2-7 are more rural locations within the island. They were then mapped to show the most affected areas. 

Results: Zone 1 had the overwhelming majority with 1251 (45%) MS patients. The Zone with the second highest MS population was Zone 2 with 343 (12%). Prevalence per zone will be provided upon poster acceptance. 

Conclusions: Our study shows that, as expected, the metropolitan area, zone 1, has a denser population of patients due to higher concentration of people. Support groups were created in said zones to help MS patients cope with their disease. When Hurricane Maria hit the island, these resources were used to better help hurricane devastated patients. This allowed for targeted aid delivery to the most affected zones and thus, the most affected MS patients. Furthermore, this permitted the MS Foundation and medical partners to distribute aid across PR and to form support networks. These helped communicate and fulfill the needs of many of the patients. This further validates the importance of an MS registry.