How common is ME/CFS — and how has that changed?

ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) has long been a significant global health challenge — and the numbers have surged dramatically in recent years.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a review of over 1,000 studies estimated that around 0.89% of the world’s population was living with ME/CFS — roughly 71 million people globally.¹ This remains one of the most widely cited prevalence estimates for ME/CFS.

In Australia, this translated to about 250,000 people, and in New Zealand, around 50,000 people were living with ME/CFS before the pandemic.

However, COVID-19 has dramatically reshaped the landscape. A recent analysis of nearly 900 studies on Long COVID found that over 400 million people worldwide have been affected by this condition.² Notably, research suggests that about 51% of those with Long COVID develop persistent symptoms consistent with an ME/CFS diagnosis.³ This is increasingly being referred to as post-COVID ME/CFS.

This could mean an additional 204 million people now living with ME/CFS globally — bringing the current estimate to around 275 million people.

For Australia, the pandemic is expected to have added approximately 695,000 people now living with ME/CFS. In New Zealand, an estimated 135,000 additional people may now be affected.

In short: ME/CFS is far from rare. While this life-shattering illness has affected many people for decades—often with little recognition or support—it is now understood to be a widespread, often disabling condition impacting hundreds of millions globally, including around 945,000 Australians and 185,000 New Zealanders.

That’s 1 in every 30 people: a powerful reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness, increased research investment, and compassionate care for those affected by infection-associated chronic conditions.