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One study reported incidence rates for MS among
immigrants to Israel. Those who came from Africa and Asia, where the rates
are low, continued to have a low risk of developing MS in Israel. However,
the situation was quite different for immigrants from Europe, where
incidence rates were moderate to high. If they migrated as children, their
risk of developing MS in Israel was low – similar to that for the Israeli
population. However, if they migrated after 15 years of age, their
subsequent risk of developing the disease was high – similar to that for
their home country. These data suggest that there is some exposure that
occurs during childhood, and is more prevalent in European countries, that
increase the risk of developing MS after puberty.
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