Singer Justin Timberblake, 44, is the latest celeb to open up about his Lyme disease diagnosis, describing the disease as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” citing nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness that impacted live performances
Pop star Justin Timberlake has opened up on his Lyme disease diagnosis, revealing he was diagnosed with the “relentlessly debilitating” illness.
Justin, 44, took to social media on Thursday to confirm he has been diagnoses with Lyme disease. In his post on Instagram, he told his fans: “As I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.
“Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.” It comes after Katie Price worries fans with appearance in family photo after explaining weight loss.
Here, we take a look at what Lyme disease is and what symptoms come with it.
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What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites – particularly from black‑legged or deer ticks.
Symptoms often start with a bull’s‑eye rash around three to 30 days after exposure, along with flu-style symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle or joint aches.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, causing arthritis, facial palsy, heart palpitations (Lyme carditis), severe headaches, and neurological disturbances such as memory or concentration issues.
Treatment
Early treatment usually involves a 10 to 14 day course of antibiotics, which is effective in most cases when diagnosis is prompt. But untreated Lyme can result in long‑term complications.
Up to five to 15 percent of patients may go on to develop Post‑Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, with lingering fatigue or joint pain.
In the UK, Ireland, and many parts of North America and Asia, tick season – from April through September – marks greater risk. Experts urge preventive measures, including covering up in grassy or wooded areas, using insect repellent, checking for ticks, and removing them promptly.
Pets can also pick up ticks on walks so it’s vital to check their fur after walking through long grass or wooded areas.
Celebs who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease
Justin Timberlake joins a growing list of well-known figures to open up about being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
In 2020, Justin Bieber was diagnosed with the illness, writing on Instagram that he had been through “a rough couple years”. The pop star said he was getting treatment and vowed to be “back and better than ever.”
Model Bella Hadid has spoken publicly about her decade-long battle with Lyme disease. She has described experiencing years of “invisible suffering” and has shared details of her symptoms and treatment on social media, including Instagram and TikTok.
Her mother, Yolanda, and brother, Anwar, have also been diagnosed with the disease.
Singer Avril Lavigne spoke about her struggle with Lyme disease in a June 2015 interview with Good Morning America, revealing that she’d been bedridden in October 2014.
She called that the “worst time” in her life after seeing specialists and doctors who misdiagnosed her with chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.
Stats
Lyme disease rates in the UK are estimated to be around 2,000 to 3,000 new confirmed cases annually in England and Wales, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
However, it’s estimated that many cases go unreported or are not laboratory-confirmed, potentially making the actual number at least three times higher. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that there could be 3,000-4,000 new cases each year, with about 15 percent of those cases acquired abroad.
In the US, the CDC estimates suggest around 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease annually, although only a fraction are officially recorded.
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