Physicians from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted interviews with approximately 56,000 residents of Wichita, Kansas as part of an investigation into chronic fatigue. Of those interviewed, more than 3,500 individuals reported experiencing fatigue lasting longer than one month. From this group, 46 people were further evaluated and met the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
The study found that CFS was associated with substantial economic and occupational impact. Nearly one-quarter of individuals diagnosed with CFS had left their jobs because of the illness. Among those who remained employed, average earnings were approximately one-third lower than expected compared with individuals without the condition. This reduction in productivity was estimated to equal about $20,000 per person per year.
When these findings were extrapolated to the U.S. population—assuming similar prevalence nationwide—the estimated number of people affected by CFS was approximately 450,000. Based on productivity losses alone, the total economic cost of the condition was estimated at roughly $9 billion annually.
These findings highlight the significant personal and societal burden associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, extending beyond health effects to include major economic consequences.
