Epidemiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome

Incidence
Estimates of the prevalence vary widely, owing in part to the variety of definitions used. Estimates range from 0.025% to 0.3% of the population.

Gender
Various studies have estimated that 70-80% are women.

Age
A study in Norway found two age peaks, one between 10 and 19 years and a second peak between 30 and 39 years.

Genetics
See also: genetics

5% of children of mothers with ME/CFS later developed the illness.