Lyme Disease affects thousands of people in the United States, making it the most common vector-borne disease with over 30,000 cases every year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In January, Justin Bieber announced through his Instagram account that he has Lyme Disease. The popstar wrote that he had suffered for a couple of years and continues to get the right treatment. He added that on some days, he might look like he's on some kind of drugs, but in reality, he has Lyme disease, which affects his brain function, skin, and overall health.
This month though, another celebrity falls victim to this vector-borne disease, and just like Bieber, she has announced it on her Instagram account as well.
Amy Schumer Admits to Having Lyme Disease
In an Instagram post on September 8, Amy Schumer revealed that she has Lyme disease and maybe has had it for a couple of years now. The 39-year-old comedian posted a photo of her when she was a child holding a fishing pole and shared the news with her followers. She even asked them for any advice about her disease.
According to her photo caption, she has been taking herbs now from cape cod called Lyme-2 as treatment. She added that she is feeling good right now and is excited to get rid of Lyme disease.
View this post on Instagrammy first ever fishing pole. Anyone get LYME this summer? I got it and I’m on doxycycline. I have maybe had it for years. Any advice? Can you have a glass of wine or 2 on it? I know to stay out of the sun. I’m also taking these herbs from cape cod called lyme-2. Please comment or text me on my number in my bio. I also want to say that I feel good and am excited to get rid of it. A post shared by @ amyschumer on Sep 8, 2020 at 12:57pm PDT
For the past couple of months, Amy had been very open about her health condition, especially regarding her pregnancy. In a TV appearance last August, she talked about considering getting a surrogate after she and her husband struggled to get pregnant again after their firstborn son, Gene.
In July, she talked about her HBO Max three-part docu-series called Expecting Amy, which features her career, marriage, and complicated pregnancy journey.
She says she feels that people can relate to her and that she wanted to be as open as possible to help women feel better about themselves because of going through so much, referring to monthly periods and pregnancy. She wanted to educate people about the struggles and journeys of many women during pregnancy.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Justin Bieber Confirms He Has Lyme Disease
Prevention from Lyme Disease
The CDC says that humans get Lyme disease through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Once infected, the person would experience headaches, fever, fatigue, and erythema migrans—a form of skin rashes. It has infected thousands of people in the U.S., including celebrities, such as Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, the Hadid sisters Yolanda and Bella, and Shania Twain.
But having Lyme disease can be prevented. According to the CDC, black-legged ticks are commonly found in moist and humid environments like grasslands or wooded areas. That means people can get ticks because of outdoor activities or walking on grass and bushes.
To avoid getting infected, make sure to walk in the center of trails and not on tall bushes or other vegetation. Additionally, it would help using EPA-registered insect repellants to avoid ticks when doing outdoor activities. The EPA has an available online tool so people can choose the best insect repellant for them.
Parents should apply the insect repellant product onto their children but avoid applying it on or near the mouth, eyes, and hands. They may also choose to apply it to their clothing for longer protection.
READ MORE: Lyme Disease Symptoms, Prevention: Tick Infection Risk Increases Across Ontario
Check out more news and information on Lyme Disease on Science Times.
