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Apr 19th, 2017
Jimmy Walker battles with Lyme disease
Ahead of the Valero Texas Open
Words: James Greenwood Photography: Getty Images
Jimmy Walker has revealed to the media that he is fighting Lyme disease ahead of this week's Valero Texas Open.
Walker, 38, said he hasn't "felt good" since Thanksgiving.
The 2016 US PGA champion, who has had a soliatry top–10 finish since October, said at the Masters two weeks ago that he was feeling "sluggish".
"How long I've had it? I don't know. I know I haven't felt great since about then," Walker told the media.
"Been talking to some doctors, trying to figure out the course of action to take and get on some meds to get it going in the right direction."
"Basically feels like you got the flu," said the 2015 Texas Open champion. "No strength, just got nothing.
"And it comes and goes in waves. You never know when it's going to pop up."
According to NHS Choices, Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks.
Ticks are tiny spider–like creatures found in woodland and heath areas. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. Ticks that carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease are found throughout the UK and in other parts of Europe and North America.
It's estimated there are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year. About 15% of cases occur while people are abroad.
Lyme disease can often be treated effectively if it's detected early on. But if it's not treated or treatment is delayed, there's a risk you could develop severe and long–lasting symptoms.
We hope that in Jimmy's case it was picked up early enough, which doesn't necessarily look the case, given that he has felt poorly since October.
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