Global, regional, and national burden of varicella-zoster infections in adults aged 70 years and older from 1997 to 2021: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study

From 1997 to 2021, the incidence of VHZ in adults aged ≥70 years increased marginally due to population growth, while the disease burden (measured by DALYs) decreased, probably attributed to improved disease management strategies. These trends were particularly evident in regions with a high Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), potentially associated with vaccination efforts, and significant reductions in DALYs were observed in low- and middle-SDI regions, likely owing to advancements in healthcare.