• 6 years ago
Matt Dawson, former England Rugby Captain, talks openly about how he contracted Lyme disease and offers important advice on how to prevent feature cases.



Matt Dawson shared his experience of Lyme disease with us this morning. The former England rugby player contracted the disease from a tick bite while training in London back in 2016.

The bacterial infection affected his heart and resulted in him having several operations.

Thankfully, after a lengthy recovery process, Matt is on the mend and is now supporting the Big Tick Project to help raise awareness of the disease.

Being a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant himself, Matt offered our latest Strictly star, Charlotte Hawkins, the advice she needs to waltz her way to victory.

Here's five facts about Lyme disease:

The disease is transmitted through a bite from an infected deer tick

Common symptoms include: fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, a stiff neck, light and sound sensitivity

After being bitten, some people can develop the Lyme symptoms weeks, months, years or even decades later

One in three pet dogs have ticks

Groom your pet regularly and check for any evidence of tick infestations

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