OBJECTIVES: Herpes zoster (HZ) disease is characterized by debilitating pain and blistering rash. It may lead to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persisting pain complication that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life long after the acute episode. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and economic burden associated with HZ in the private sector in Mexico.

METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review was conducted in five private clinics representing five urban and rural cities in Mexico, capturing 2018-2022 data. Patients’ prior to diagnosis, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up pathways were captured. Direct average unit cost per HZ case included costs due to healthcare resource utilization, such as specialist visits, antiviral medication, and follow-up treatments. Indirect costs included patients’ and caretakers’ time lost from work. All costs are reported in 2024 USD currency.

RESULTS: 228 HZ cases were identified; 76 (33%) were with PHN, 9 (4%) had other complications, and 118 (52%) HZ patients had one or more co-morbidities. The total prior-to-diagnosis costs were $12,390 and the average prior-to-diagnosis cost per HZ case was $1,966. The average unit cost per HZ case for patients without PHN was $592 (median $248) for 18-29-year-olds, $418 ($461) for 30-39-year-olds, $816 ($318) for 40-49-year-olds, $782 ($232) for 50-59-year-olds, $711 ($535) for 60-69-year-olds, $495 ($535) for 70-79-year-olds, and $402 ($535) for ≥80-year-olds. The average unit cost per HZ case for patients with PHN was $694 ($745) for 30-39-year-olds, $5,220 ($914) for 40-49-year-olds, $11,487 ($2,158) for 50-59-year-olds, $7,991 ($1,514) for 60-69-year-olds, $6,536($836) for 70-79-year-olds, and $4,957 ($667) for ≥80-year-olds. Total indirect costs were $9,932 for non-PHN cases and $11,268 for cases with PHN.

CONCLUSIONS: HZ and its sequelae are very costly in Mexico, expected to rise with the ageing population. The results support the need for prevention strategies (such as vaccination) to reduce this burden in Mexico.