Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis star Serena Williams, has revealed his recent diagnosis of Lyme disease.
The 41-year-old father of two shared the news after undergoing comprehensive health scans.
“Doing a full battery of health scans, tests, etc, and found out I have Lyme disease,” Ohanian disclosed in a social media post on Tuesday.
Despite having no symptoms, Ohanian plans to undergo treatment. He also noted concerns about his cholesterol levels but highlighted positive testosterone results.
Lyme disease, caused by borrelia bacteria typically transmitted through tick bites, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, flu-like feelings, joint pain, fatigue, and sometimes a distinctive rash in its early stages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Expressing surprise at his diagnosis, Ohanian mentioned his limited exposure to areas where ticks are prevalent.
He shared a personal connection to the disease through a loved one’s experience, emphasizing the importance of testing and successful treatment.
Despite the diagnosis, Ohanian remains optimistic, quipping about his resolve to stay active with antibiotic treatment. He urged his followers to consult healthcare professionals for accurate information on Lyme disease, cautioning against relying solely on his personal experience.
Lyme disease affects over 470,000 Americans annually, according to the CDC, and is generally treatable with antibiotics over 10-14 days.
Ohanian’s health update follows his recent public appearance alongside Serena Williams and their daughter Olympia at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Serena Williams, serving as host, presented awards, including the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service to Prince Harry, the husband of her close friend Meghan Markle.
