Leah McSweeney, former star of "Real Housewives of New York," announced her diagnosis of Lyme disease on social media on Thursday. The 41-year-old shared her test results and remarked, "I'm shook. Please send success stories of healing from Lyme. It's a new infection, not chronic." McSweeney also posted a photo depicting over a dozen vials of blood from the extensive tests she has undergone.
In her social media updates, McSweeney apologized to friends for canceling plans recently due to not feeling well. She added a sarcastic comment about her situation, followed by a laughing emoji. This news comes amid McSweeney's ongoing legal battle with her former network, Bravo, where she is suing for alleged discrimination and a hostile work environment.
McSweeney is not the first Real Housewives star to face Lyme disease. Yolanda Hadid, another former cast member, has dealt with chronic Lyme disease for a decade and has written a book about her experience. Hadid's children, supermodels Gigi, Bella, and Anwar Hadid, have also been diagnosed with the disease.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Early symptoms often include fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash. While typically treatable with antibiotics, some patients experience persistent symptoms referred to as chronic Lyme disease.