From Athlete to Ailment: Tick Bite Leaves Fitness Influencer Paralyzed, Raising Awareness of Lyme-Like Diseases

Maria Palen, a 31-year-old chemical engineer from California, embodied peak fitness. With a vibrant Instagram presence boasting over 20,000 followers, she inspired many with her plant-based diet and rigorous exercise routine. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with babesiosis, a parasitic infection transmitted through tick bites. This diagnosis ultimately led to paralysis from the waist down by late 2024.

Image credit: Instagram/planthlete_maria

Palen’s story highlights the potential for hidden health threats, even in seemingly healthy individuals, and emphasizes the need for vigilance against tick-borne illnesses.

The Unfolding of a Health Crisis

Initially, Palen experienced mild symptoms: inflammation, joint discomfort, and thumb pain. Attributing these to lifestyle factors, she intensified her healthy eating and exercise habits. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated.

By March 2024, she was largely confined to bed, struggling with simple tasks. Eventually, a functional medicine specialist identified babesiosis, a disease caused by Babesia parasites infecting red blood cells. Unlike Lyme disease, babesiosis often goes unnoticed because its early symptoms resemble the flu or general fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a doubling of babesiosis cases in the last decade, from 1,000 in 2011 to approximately 2,500 annually today.

Palen suspects the tick bite occurred years prior, possibly during an outdoor hike. The infection gradually progressed, eventually impacting her nervous system and leading to paralysis.

The Silent Danger of Tick-Borne Diseases

Tick bites are often painless and easily overlooked. The insidious nature of some tick-borne infections lies in their ability to remain dormant for extended periods. Palen's case underscores the limited awareness surrounding lesser-known diseases like babesiosis.

Ticks are most prevalent during warmer months, thriving in grassy and wooded environments. A mild winter in 2024 contributed to a surge in tick populations in the US, increasing the risk of transmission of rare infections, according to researchers at the University of California, Riverside.

The microbes responsible for babesiosis (Babesia microti and B. duncani) are difficult to detect because they reside within red blood cells. Research on the genome of B. duncani reveals similarities to the malaria parasite, explaining symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches.

Pic courtesy: iStock

Lessons Learned: Taking Tick-Borne Illnesses Seriously

Despite her challenges, Maria Palen demonstrates resilience, undergoing extensive therapy with hope for recovery. Her experience highlights the significance of early detection in combating tick-borne illnesses.

While doctors commonly test for Lyme disease, babesiosis may not be immediately considered. Given the potential for co-infection, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to adopt a comprehensive approach. Individuals should be vigilant in tracking unexplained changes in energy levels, muscle strength, or chronic pain, especially after outdoor activities.

The risk extends beyond hiking and camping. Gardening in overgrown areas or walking in wooded areas can also expose individuals to ticks, particularly without protective clothing or repellents.

Proactive Precautions: Beyond the Basics

Preventing tick bites requires more than just basic measures:

• Clothing as a Defense: Opt for light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks. Tucking pants into socks creates a barrier against ticks lurking in ground-level vegetation.
• Thorough Tick Checks: Inspect often-overlooked areas such as behind the ears, under the arms, behind the knees, along the hairline, and between the toes.
• Repellent Selection: Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Natural alternatives may be less effective.
• Dedicated Outdoor Wear: Remove and wash clothes worn in forested or grassy areas immediately in hot water to prevent ticks from spreading.
• Recognize Subtle Symptoms: Do not dismiss unexplained fatigue, swelling, or recurring pain as "just stress." Seek medical attention and request blood tests to identify potential infections.

[This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For any symptoms or health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare provider]