Updated ME/CFS prevalence estimates reflecting post-COVID increases and associated economic costs and funding implications. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirin, Arthur A.; Dimmock, Mary E.; Jason, Leonard A.
• Is Part Of: Fatigue. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Myalgic encephalomyelitis -- chronic fatigue syndrome -- disease burden -- funding -- economic impact; Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Periodicals; Myalgic encephalomyelitis -- Periodicals; 616.047805
• DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2022.2062169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-1846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this article, we update our earlier analyses of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) economic impact and its National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding versus disease burden, taking into account the anticipated new cases of ME/CFS resulting from COVID-19. Prior to the COVID pandemic, we estimated a United States ME/CFS prevalence of 1.5 million and an annual economic impact of $36–51 billion. Now, due to COVID and its resulting post-acute sequalae, we estimate total ME/CFS prevalence could rise to between five and nine million. This would incur an annual U.S. economic impact of $149 to $362 billion in medical expenses and lost income, exclusive of other costs, such as disability benefits, social services, and lost wages of caretakers. NIH funding for ME/CFS research would need to expand from the current amount of $15 million per year to approximately $472–$600 million annually, up to a 40-fold increase, to be commensurate with that of similarly burdensome diseases.