'I was a zombie': Lyme disease leaves Kerry woman housebound

Campaigners are speaking out to raise awareness of the illness which, they say, is far more prevalent in Ireland than official statistics show

Karin O'Shea is speaking to promote today’s Lyme Disease Awareness Day, which is the start of a month-long awareness campaign by sufferers and their advocates.

Karin O’Shea's way of life has been turned upside down over the last year, but she still regards herself as very lucky.

In April 2021, Karin was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease after years of mysterious on-off ailments, including chronic backache, headaches, bone pain, fainting fits, and neck stiffness as a teenager.