Serena Williams’ Husband Receives Diagnosis: Details

Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, recently shared a personal health update, revealing that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. This condition, which is transmitted to humans through tick bites, was detected through a series of medical procedures.

The 41-year-old detailed his diagnosis on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, July 16. In a series of posts, the Reddit co-founder explained that bloodwork had confirmed the presence of Lyme disease, even though he had not exhibited any symptoms.

“Doing a full battery of health scans, tests, etc., and found out I have Lyme disease,” Ohanian wrote. He also mentioned that it was “wild” to be diagnosed without any symptoms but reassured that he would undergo treatment.

Ohanian—married to tennis star Serena Williams since 2017 and who shares two children with her—also discussed a loved one who was diagnosed with Lyme disease a few years ago. He noted the person had shown many symptoms and struggled to identify the cause until they were tested and successfully treated for Lyme disease.

The diagnosis came as “a surprise” for Ohanian. He noted he doesn’t spend much time in areas where ticks are common, such as the Northeast or wilderness regions. Nevertheless, he remained positive, stating he would “grab some antibiotics” to combat the ailment, and added humorously, “Can’t keep me down, tick!”

He concluded his posts with a disclaimer, encouraging people to consult a doctor for health advice rather than relying on his personal experience.

Ohanian joins a list of celebrities including Justin Bieber, Ben Stiller, Yolanda, and Bella Hadid who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease. This has raised questions as to why this condition seems so prevalent among the rich and famous.

Lyme disease, caused by borrelia bacteria, is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. These ticks are found throughout most of the United States, in the upper Midwest, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. They are also common in Europe and parts of Canada.

Spending time in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas increases the risk of encountering these ticks. Still, taking precautions can help mitigate this risk.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert suggests that celebrities might be more susceptible to Lyme disease due to their lifestyles. He noted that the increased leisure time and greater access to outdoor areas where ticks reside could make it more likely for them to be exposed.

Hunter further explained that celebrities often spend more time in wooded parklands. He also stated that these high-profile people have the means to visit these areas frequently, increasing their chances of encountering ticks.

Additionally, the professor noted that many celebrities reside in the U.S., where Lyme disease is more prevalent. He then pointed out that ticks can latch onto a person’s legs while walking and crawl up to have a blood feast, thereby transmitting the disease.

Ohanian’s diagnosis of Lyme disease sheds light on a condition that has affected many celebrities. Despite the absence of symptoms, Ohanian’s proactive approach to treatment highlights the importance of regular health check-ups.

With Lyme disease being prevalent in areas frequented by the wealthy, understanding and prevention becomes crucial. Professor Hunter’s advice is to check for ticks after outdoor activities.

He also noted that Ohanian’s positive result, despite having no symptoms, likely indicates a past infection where his immune system had already tackled the disease. If this is the case, taking antibiotics might be unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Hunter also cautioned against the risks of unreliable private clinic tests that are not recognized by health authorities. His warnings about the complexities of Lyme disease testing and the dangers of unverified clinics underscore the importance of awareness and preventive measures in managing this widespread health concern.