Lyme Disease Symptoms in Humans, Treatment & Rash Pictures: Ashley Olsen Gets Incurable Disease; Condition Has 'Gotten Worse'

Ashley Olsen, one-half of the famous Olsen twins, is reportedly battling Lyme disease. It is the same illness that has afflicted Avril Lavigne.

Citing a report from OK! Magazine, Mirror Online notes that the disease is already in its "very late stages."

A source close to the former child star told OK! Magazine: "She's really sick. It's gotten worse. She was diagnosed in the very late stages so early detection measures weren't options for her. She's really going through it. When she does come to work, she looks haggard and disheveled. And she's often moody. Ashley's having a very rough time right now."

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Infected blacklegged ticks are the common carriers and transmitters of this disease to humans, according to the CDC.

Some early signs of symptoms of the infection include a rash or a small red bump on the tick bite area. Mayo Clinic reminds people to check for rash that may spread and form a bull's eye pattern called erythema migrans, an indicator of Lyme disease infection. Another early sign is developing flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, and body aches. Early detection is the key to treating Lyme disease as it can be cured with antibiotics.

The Lyme Disease United Coalition (LDUC) explains that the late stage or chronic Lyme disease may occur weeks, months, and even years after the tick bite. Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease include joint pain, neurological problems, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, weakness, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, chest pain and many more.

If left untreated, LDUC warns that it could lead to brain damage, arthritic pain, blindness, and even death. The disease, when caught in its late-stage is incurable. It will need long-term antibiotic treatment.

There is currently no vaccine for Lyme disease. Fortunately, it can be prevented easily. Take precautions by protecting yourself every time you go camping, playing outdoors, hiking, or going out.

The CDC reports that blacklegged ticks live near wooded or grassy areas so make sure to avoid walking through those areas as much as possible. Another way to protect yourself is by using repellents with DEET or permethrin (for gears and clothing), but make sure to follow the package instructions and avoid using the product on eyes, mouth, and hands.

Perform tick checks daily and remove them by using tweezers. If the tick has been on your skin for less than 24 hours, transmission of Lyme disease is low, notes the CDC . However, it is not a guarantee that you are protected from other diseases carried by the ticks. If you are experiencing symptoms and signs of the disease, make sure to see a healthcare provider.