Justin Timberlake diagnosed with Lyme Disease: What is this tick-borne illness? Symptoms, risks & prevention

After fans questioned his energy on stage, Justin Timberlake revealed he’s been battling Lyme disease — a tick-borne illness that can cause long-term health issues.(Image: Justin Timberlake/ Instagram)

US Singer Justin Timberlake has recently revealed in an Instagram post that he is suffering from Lyme disease- a bacterial infection caused by tick bites.

The singer opened up after facing scrutiny over his performances during the Forget Tomorrow world tour, sharing that his health had taken a toll behind the scenes.

“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,” Timberlake wrote in his post. He added that the illness caused nerve pain and extreme fatigue, which impacted his stage performance.

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Lyme disease is caused by bacterial infection through Borrelia burgdorferi, usually taken after an infected black-legged tick bite. These ticks are found almost everywhere in grassy, bushy, or forested areas, and their activity is maximum during the summer period.

Some serious complications of Lyme disease, if not promptly treated, include arthritis, nerve pain, problems with the heart, and cognitive disturbances.

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and headache
• Muscle and joint pains
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A specific rash that resembles a bull's-eye (erythema migrans)

Symptoms can set in anytime between 3 days up to 30 days following a tick bite. In some instances, fatigue, pain, and cognitive disturbances may continue beyond antibiotic therapy — a phenomenon commonly called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Timberlake joins a list of public figures like Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid, and Shania Twain who have publicly spoken about their experiences with the illness. Their stories highlight how crucial early diagnosis and treatment are to managing long-term effects.

The list of celebrities including Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid, and Shania Twain, have come out with their experience with the illness too. Their stories underline the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the long-term effects.

• Wear long sleeves and pants in grassy or wooded areas
• Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin
• Do full-body tick checks after outdoor activities
• Bathe or shower within two hours of being outdoors
• Keep lawns trimmed and avoid tall grass

With rising cases, especially in the US, awareness about prevention and prompt medical care is key. Timberlake’s post serves as a reminder that Lyme disease, though invisible, can be deeply debilitating — and deserves more attention than it often gets.