Pittsburgh Woman Shares Lyme Disease Diagnosis Message

Krista Mazefsky warns others to be vigilant after facing neurological symptoms from tick-borne illness.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Pittsburgh woman named Krista Mazefsky is sharing her experience with Lyme disease after being diagnosed with the tick-borne illness last year. Mazefsky had no prior warning signs like a rash or spotting a tick, but suddenly developed neurological symptoms including facial paralysis. Now, she's using social media to educate others on the importance of tick checks and early detection.

Why it matters

Lyme disease cases have been on the rise in recent years, particularly in the northeastern United States. Raising awareness about the often vague symptoms and need for proactive tick checks can help others avoid the debilitating neurological impacts Mazefsky has faced.

The details

Mazefsky said she had no idea she had been bitten by a tick last year. All of a sudden, she started not feeling well and was in and out of the hospital, eventually losing feeling on one side of her face and developing facial paralysis. On July 1, 2025, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which she describes as "neurological Lyme" that "affected my neurological systems." More than six months later, she still can't fully move the left side of her face.

  • Mazefsky was diagnosed with Lyme disease on July 1, 2025.
  • She posted a warning about her experience on TikTok in early 2026.

The players

Krista Mazefsky

A Pittsburgh woman who was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2025 and is now sharing her experience to warn others.

Nathan Shively

An infectious disease expert with Allegheny Health Network who provided tips on protecting against tick-borne illnesses.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had neurological Lyme. It affected my neurological systems. I wouldn't say you really beat it.”

— Krista Mazefsky (cbsnews.com)

“Apply insect repellent or wear long sleeves or longer pants. But I think one of the most important things to do is, whenever you get home from being outside, even in your own backyard, honestly, is to do a tick check.”

— Nathan Shively, Infectious Disease Expert, Allegheny Health Network (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Experts say early detection is key to treating Lyme disease, so Mazefsky hopes her story will encourage others to be vigilant about checking for ticks and seeking medical attention at the first signs of illness.

The takeaway

Mazefsky's experience highlights the importance of tick awareness and proactive prevention measures, especially as Lyme disease cases continue to rise. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the symptoms can be vague and easily missed, underscoring the need for diligence in checking for ticks and seeking prompt medical care.