Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, disclosed his recent diagnosis of Lyme disease via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. Despite feeling asymptomatic, the 41-year-old entrepreneur shared that comprehensive health scans revealed the presence of the tick-borne illness.
In his announcement to over 500,000 followers, Ohanian expressed surprise at the diagnosis, noting his limited exposure to the environments where Lyme disease is most prevalent, particularly the wilderness and Northeastern regions of the United States. He emphasized the importance of professional medical consultation, urging anyone concerned about potential symptoms to seek immediate testing and treatment.
Lyme disease, caused by borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites, initially manifests with symptoms such as fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Untreated cases can progress to more severe symptoms including muscle weakness, numbness, and even vision impairment.
Ohanian also revealed additional health findings from his scans, highlighting concerns about low good cholesterol levels and discussing his testosterone levels. Despite the unexpected diagnosis, he remained upbeat, sharing his intention to begin antibiotic treatment promptly with a touch of humor, referencing a cartoon character in his social media post.
The CDC reports that over 470,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease annually, underscoring the widespread impact of the illness across the country.
Married since 2017, Ohanian and Williams celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Adira, last year. Ohanian expressed gratitude for his family’s health and support, calling his wife Serena Williams “the GMOAT” (Greatest Mother of All Time).
As Ohanian navigates his treatment journey, he continues to advocate for awareness and proactive medical care, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in managing Lyme disease.