Puerto Rico has the highest multiple sclerosis rate in the Caribbean -- and an event aims to break the stigma
Puerto Rico faces a reality that many overlook: the island has the highest prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the entire Caribbean and Latin America, with a rate that has more than doubled in the past decade. Now, a personal trainer diagnosed with the condition wants patients to stop hiding and start moving.
Ale Otero, a content creator and fitness trainer diagnosed with MS in 2021, announced the second edition of "Move With Me for Multiple Sclerosis," an educational wellness event scheduled for Saturday, August 15, at the Hyatt Centric San Juan in Isla Verde 1. The program, running from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will combine adapted exercise sessions, talks by specialist neurologists, and testimonials from patients living with the disease.
"A diagnosis does not define what people are capable of achieving" is Otero's core message. She has turned her own experience into a platform demonstrating that physical activity is a powerful tool for improving quality of life for those with this autoimmune condition 1.
The numbers that worry
According to an epidemiological study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders by Dr. Angel Chinea and colleagues, the cumulative prevalence of MS in Puerto Rico reached 95.3 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 2. That figure represents a dramatic increase compared to previous estimates of approximately 42 per 100,000 inhabitants documented just years earlier 3.
Between 2017 and 2020, 568 new cases were diagnosed on the island. Of those patients, 406 were women and 162 were men, confirming that the condition disproportionately affects women at a ratio of approximately 2.5 to 1 2. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate was 6.5 per 100,000 in 2017, with a notable peak after Hurricane Maria in 2018, followed by a slight decline to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic 2.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.8 million people live with multiple sclerosis 4. The condition is most common in young and middle-aged adults, and women are affected more frequently than men.
The power of movement
Otero's event is not simply motivational -- it has scientific backing. The WHO identifies regular exercise as one of three key strategies for managing MS-associated fatigue, alongside healthy sleep patterns and medication review 4. The August 15 sessions will address controllable factors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, stress management, and the importance of ongoing medical treatment 1.
Karla Ortiz, creator of the community "Una Jeva Con Esclerosis" (A Girl With Sclerosis), will share her personal testimony during the event. Her platform has become a vital space for Puerto Rican patients seeking information and support in approachable language free of intimidating medical jargon 1.
What this means for you
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (myelin), causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary enormously: from severe fatigue and vision problems to difficulty walking and numbness.
If you are between 20 and 50 years old, female, or have a family history of autoimmune conditions, your risk is higher. Puerto Rico, despite its tropical location, has rates comparable to countries at higher latitudes where MS is traditionally more common. Researchers are still studying why the island presents such elevated figures, but genetic and environmental factors may play an important role 23.
How to take action / Checklist
- Know the early symptoms: blurred or double vision, tingling or numbness in extremities, unexplained fatigue, balance problems, and dizziness. If you experience any of these, consult a neurologist.
- If you already have an MS diagnosis, incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. You do not need to be an athlete -- walking, swimming, or yoga are effective and safe options under medical supervision.
- Attend the "Move With Me" event on August 15 at the Hyatt Centric San Juan, Isla Verde. Tickets are available at buyatix.com/event/90. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Connect with support communities like Karla Ortiz's "Una Jeva Con Esclerosis" on social media to find accessible information and people who understand what you are going through.
- Talk to your doctor about current treatment options. Early treatment can stabilize and even improve disease progression.
What comes next
The upward trend in MS diagnoses in Puerto Rico suggests the island needs more specialized resources, more neurologists, and greater access to cutting-edge treatments. The post-Hurricane Maria spike raises urgent questions about how natural disasters and environmental stress could influence the development of autoimmune diseases. While the scientific community searches for answers, events like Ale Otero's fill a critical gap: education, emotional support, and the demonstration that moving -- literally and figuratively -- is an essential part of treatment.
Sources: 1 El Nuevo Dia, "Ale Otero invites multiple sclerosis patients to move with her to continue breaking stigmas," August 3, 2026 2 Chinea A, et al., "Epidemiologic trends of multiple sclerosis in Puerto Rico (2013-2020)," Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2022 3 Miranda MT, Suarez E, et al., "HLA genetic analysis and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Puerto Rico," 2013 4 World Health Organization, "Multiple sclerosis -- key facts," 2024
Sources
Reported by the CoquiList Newsroom · Facts backed by the sources cited above
Ask about this story
Ask anything about this article — in English or Spanish.
Log in to ask about this story.
Comments (0)
Log in to join the conversation.
No comments yet — be the first.
