A Michigan woman is bravely sharing her story in an effort to shed light on the increasing prevalence of Lyme disease, which has seen a staggering 168% rise in cases across the state over the past five years. Annette Jackson, who has endured a debilitating journey seeking treatment for her ailments, hopes that her experience will help bring greater awareness to this often-misunderstood illness.
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Jackson’s health struggles began several years ago when she noticed concerning symptoms but found it difficult to secure a correct diagnosis. Speaking to CBS Detroit, she recounted the frustration of attending multiple hospital visits, only to be told that her condition was not easily identifiable. “Life was just debilitating after that, trying to find someone to help me,” she explained.
The illness is caused by the Borrelia bacteria, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, as outlined by health experts at the Mayo Clinic. Initial signs of Lyme disease can include a distinctive rash at the site of the bite, though if untreated, the disease can evolve into more severe symptoms such as fever, facial paralysis, joint pain, heart complications, dizziness, and chronic pain in the extremities, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Jackson’s ordeal began one day after enjoying time at a park with her family, when she discovered a tick bite on her body. Despite her troubling symptoms and multiple consultations with medical professionals, she was met with skepticism. One doctor allegedly remarked, “Well, this is not a cold and this is not the flu. We don’t know what you have, but you have something. Your white blood cells are off the charts.” Despite these alarming indicators, she was sent home with no further assistance.
After years of battling through her symptoms, Jackson eventually received a diagnosis of Lyme disease. She highlighted the challenge of identifying the condition due to its tendency to mimic various other illnesses, often leading to confusion for healthcare providers. As a result of her diagnosis, she faced significant financial burdens, as she had to cover her treatment costs out of her own pocket.
With the aim of improving health outcomes for others, Jackson is collaborating with local authorities to advocate for enhanced insurance coverage for Lyme disease treatment. She is steadfast in her belief that raising awareness about the disease is crucial, asserting that “awareness saves lives.”
The rising incidence of Lyme disease is not limited to Jackson’s personal experience. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state has witnessed an alarming increase in reported cases, with numbers soaring from 452 cases in 2020 to 2,167 in 2025. This dramatic rise in Lyme disease rates has coincided with a growing prevalence of ticks across the state, particularly as they migrate from rural to more populated suburban and urban locales.
Jean Tsao, a professor at Michigan State University and expert on tick-borne diseases, emphasised the expanding range of tick populations in her comments to The Detroit Free Press. “Their populations are exploding in places where it is more populous with people,” she stated. “We’re seeing a steep increase in the abundance of ticks in much of southern Michigan, and that’s where the most people live.”
As more individuals become aware of the risks associated with tick bites and Lyme disease, Jackson’s advocacy could be pivotal in fostering a supportive environment for those suffering from similar symptoms. Her personal journey reflects the urgent need for improved diagnosis, treatment options, and greater public understanding of Lyme disease, particularly as incidences continue to rise across Michigan.
Ultimately, Jackson hopes that her story will inspire others to be vigilant about potential tick exposure and proactive in seeking medical advice. By sharing her experiences, she strives to turn her hardship into hope, raising both awareness and support for those affected by Lyme disease in Michigan and beyond.