Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street has teamed up with the charity Lyme Disease UK for Joseph Brown's new storyline.
In recent months Joseph has been struggling with a mysterious illness and, following multiple trips to the hospital, Gemma was removed from the house by social services after being accused of poisoning her stepson.
In scenes set to air next week, Joseph collapses at home on the sofa and is rushed to hospital where he finally receives a diagnosis.
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At the hospital, doctors diagnose Joseph with Lyme disease, which he likely contracted from a tick bite while on a camping holiday two months ago. The doctor confirms that the condition is treatable and he will make a good recovery.
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The soap has been working closely with Lyme Disease UK who have been consulted on scripts regarding symptoms and treatment.
Speaking of working with the soap, Lyme Disease UK's Press and Community Outreach Manager Julia Knight said: "It has been my great pleasure to work with the Coronation Street script writers to give them advice and pointers so that they could produce a storyline that is both realistic and engaging."
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Knight, who has experienced Lyme disease herself, added: "Lyme disease can easily be overlooked if a person only shows viral-type symptoms initially, as in the storyline. Raising awareness of the disease and giving people the information about how to prevent it is essential. With knowledge, bites can be prevented, and awareness of possible symptoms means that people who do contract the disease can seek medical advice promptly."
According to Lyme Disease UK, "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by the bite of an infected tick and is treated with antibiotics. Ticks are usually found in woodland, heathlands and grassy areas but have also been found in urban parks and gardens."
Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a circular expanding rash called Erythema Migrans rash, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headaches among others.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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