LymeMeter Race to Spotlight Chronic Lyme Disease
- VALENCIA, Spain (May 1, 2025) – The "LYMEtro a metro" initiative kicked off today, World Chronic Lyme Disease Day, with a virtual race spanning more than 25,289 kilometers...
- The symbolic starting point for the 2025 race was Valencia, honoring victims.
- Naiara Olague, a chronic Lyme patient since 2016, and her husband, Gorka Lizarraga, are the driving force behind "LYMEtro a metro." Their campaign aims to inform, educate, and...
Virtual Race highlights chronic Lyme Disease Awareness in Spain
Table of Contents
- Virtual Race highlights chronic Lyme Disease Awareness in Spain
- Raising Awareness: A Q&A About the “LYMEtro a metro” Initiative in Spain
- What is the “LYMEtro a metro” initiative?
- What is the main goal of the ”LYMEtro a metro” campaign?
- Who is behind the “lymetro a metro” initiative?
- Where did the 2025 race begin?
- What is the theme for the 2025 “LYMEtro a metro” campaign?
- What actions is the initiative urging local councils to take?
- What dose the virtual nature of the race entail?
- How does the race aim to support patients?
- How is awareness of the initiative demonstrated?
- Where can people find more information about the “LYMEtro a metro” initiative?
- What are the specific objectives of the “LYMEtro a metro” 2025 campaign?
- What is Lyme disease?
- What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
- How is Lyme disease currently understood in Spain?
- How is the situation in Spain related to the broader European context of Lyme disease?
- Key Differences/ Challenges Faced by Chronic Lyme Disease Patients in Spain
VALENCIA, Spain (May 1, 2025) – The “LYMEtro a metro” initiative kicked off today, World Chronic Lyme Disease Day, with a virtual race spanning more than 25,289 kilometers across Spain and select international locations. The goal is to raise awareness of chronic Lyme disease,educate the public,and advocate for increased institutional support for those affected.
The symbolic starting point for the 2025 race was Valencia, honoring victims. Senator Estela Daroca, of the Popular Party for the Province of Valencia, was recognized for her advocacy for Lyme patients. Daroca officially launched the virtual race in Navarrés.
Citizen-Led Initiative Gains National Traction
Naiara Olague, a chronic Lyme patient since 2016, and her husband, Gorka Lizarraga, are the driving force behind “LYMEtro a metro.” Their campaign aims to inform, educate, and demand better healthcare access for the many individuals in Spain who currently lack adequate support for this disease.
This year’s motto, “with Lyme’s disease… My responsibility is also yours,” seeks to engage public institutions, schools, local governments, and the general public. The initiative urges these entities to take immediate action by providing information, promoting prevention, and responding effectively to this growing zoonotic disease.
Organizers are specifically calling on local councils and other entities to “assume their responsibility, implement information campaigns aimed at the entire population, especially childhood, and implement effective prevention measures against ticks, whose proliferation is aggravated by climate change.”
Virtual Race Driven By and For Patients
Throughout May,participants,primarily chronic Lyme disease patients,will virtually pass a symbolic baton from town to town. Many participants are bedridden. They will share videos daily on the race’s social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube.
despite its virtual nature, the race signifies a collective effort to increase visibility and provide support. According to the organizers, “Ours is an invisible and erroneously diagnosed disease.Ther are no reliable diagnostic tests, we do not receive treatment, nor do we have access to work casualties or benefits. We feel like second-class patients. It is indeed urgent that this situation change.”
Landmarks Light Up Green for Lyme Awareness
To mark World Lyme Disease Day on May 1,the Tafalla (Navarra) City Council building will be illuminated in green to show support for patients. On May 17, similar illuminations are planned for buildings in Navalmoral de la Mata (Cáceres), Casares (Málaga), Miajadas (Cáceres), Santa Eulalia del Río (Ibiza), and Pamplona (Navarra), among other locations.
“LYMEtro a metro” 2025: Key Objectives
- Increase awareness of chronic Lyme disease in Spain.
- Advocate for appropriate and specific healthcare for patients.
- Foster a sense of community among those affected.
- surpass the 15,000 kilometers traveled in the 2024 race.
- Encourage public administrations to implement preventive and educational measures regarding Lyme disease.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*, primarily transmitted through tick bites. Though, other arthropods may also transmit the bacteria. The infection can affect various bodily systems, mimicking conditions like multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, and causing a range of complex symptoms across different stages.
Data from the National Epidemiology Center Carlos III indicates a meaningful increase in hospitalizations related to Lyme disease in Spain over the past 15 years.Recent studies also suggest the possibility of sexual and congenital transmission routes.
Despite these findings, chronic Lyme disease patients in Spain lack official recognition within the healthcare system. While the disease is subject to mandatory reporting, effective diagnostic and treatment protocols are lacking.
Call for European and Governmental Action
In 2018, the European Parliament highlighted the severity of Lyme disease as ”the most common zoonotic disease in Europe,” urging member states to implement coordinated measures to improve diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. However, those affected in Spain continue to experience institutional neglect.
More information about the “LYMEtro a metro” initiative can be found on instagram: @lymetroametro and YouTube.
Raising Awareness: A Q&A About the “LYMEtro a metro” Initiative in Spain
What is the “LYMEtro a metro” initiative?
The “lymetro a metro” initiative is a virtual race held in Spain, with select international participation, to raise awareness about chronic Lyme disease, educate the public, and advocate for better support for those affected. The 2025 race, which kicked off on World Chronic Lyme Disease Day (May 1st), spanned over 25,289 kilometers.
What is the main goal of the ”LYMEtro a metro” campaign?
The primary goal is to increase awareness about chronic Lyme disease and advocate for improved healthcare access and institutional support for patients in Spain. The initiative aims to educate the public and encourages public institutions to take action.
Who is behind the “lymetro a metro” initiative?
Naiara Olague, a chronic Lyme patient since 2016, and her husband, Gorka Lizarraga, are the driving forces behind the campaign.
Where did the 2025 race begin?
The symbolic starting point for the 2025 race was Valencia, Spain.
What is the theme for the 2025 “LYMEtro a metro” campaign?
The 2025 theme is “with Lyme’s disease…My duty is also yours,” which aims to engage public institutions, schools, local governments, and the general public in taking responsibility for addressing Lyme disease.
What actions is the initiative urging local councils to take?
The initiative urges local councils and other entities to:
Implement information campaigns aimed at the entire population, especially children.
Implement effective prevention measures against ticks, whose proliferation is aggravated by climate change.
What dose the virtual nature of the race entail?
Participants, mainly chronic Lyme disease patients, virtually pass a symbolic baton from town to town throughout May. Many participants are bedridden. They share videos daily on social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube.
How does the race aim to support patients?
Despite its virtual nature, the race signifies a collective effort to increase visibility and provide support for those affected by chronic Lyme disease. Organizers highlight that many patients feel like “second-class patients” due to diagnostic and treatment challenges.
How is awareness of the initiative demonstrated?
To mark Lyme Disease Day, buildings were illuminated in green to raise awareness.
Where can people find more information about the “LYMEtro a metro” initiative?
More information can be found on Instagram: @lymetroametro and YouTube.
What are the specific objectives of the “LYMEtro a metro” 2025 campaign?
the key objectives include:
Increase awareness of chronic Lyme disease in Spain.
Advocate for appropriate and specific healthcare for patients.
Foster a sense of community among those affected.
Surpass the 15,000 kilometers traveled in the 2024 race.
Encourage public administrations to implement preventive and educational measures.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi,* primarily transmitted thru tick bites and potentially other arthropods. The infection can affect various bodily systems, mimicking other conditions and causing complex symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
The article states that Lyme disease can affect various bodily systems, mimicking conditions such as multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, and causing a range of complex symptoms across diffrent stages. Specific symptoms are not detailed in the provided text.
How is Lyme disease currently understood in Spain?
Despite findings indicating an increase in Lyme disease hospitalizations and potential transmission routes,chronic Lyme disease patients in Spain lack official recognition within the healthcare system. Even though the disease is subject to mandatory reporting, effective diagnostic and treatment protocols are lacking.
In 2018, the European parliament highlighted the severity of Lyme disease as “the most common zoonotic disease in Europe,” urging member states to implement coordinated measures. However, the article states that those affected in Spain continue to experience institutional neglect.
Key Differences/ Challenges Faced by Chronic Lyme Disease Patients in Spain
| Issue | Description |
| ——————— | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Recognition | Chronic Lyme disease patients lack official recognition within the Spanish healthcare system. |
| Diagnostic Tools | Reliable diagnostic tests for chronic Lyme disease are currently unavailable, according to the organizers. |
| Treatment Access | Patients report not receiving treatment,which is a major challenge,according to race organizers. |
| Benefits & Support | Patients often lack access to work-related casualty benefits, highlighting financial and social support deficiencies. |