Justin Timberlake has recently disclosed that he is suffering from Lyme disease.
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received 89,000 reports of Lyme disease across the United States.
However, a more updated report by the CDC published this year suggests that this number is significantly underestimated. Their findings indicate that approximately 476,000 individuals may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually in the U.S.
Several celebrities have previously opened up about their struggles with Lyme disease, including Bella Hadid, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, and Alec Baldwin.
Justin Timberlake has now joined the list of public figures affected by this challenging condition. He shared this information on his Instagram account on July 31, through a detailed statement.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” Timberlake stated. “But 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,” he wrote as his two-year tour concluded.
“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. If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
“When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness. I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
The musician further expressed his hope that sharing his health journey will encourage others to ‘find a way to be more connected’.
“I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too,” Timberlake added.
Early indicators of Lyme disease can appear anywhere from three to 30 days following a tick bite. A circular rash around the bite site is one of the most prevalent signs.
According to Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease progresses through three stages.
In Stage 1, symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, joint stiffness, muscle aches and pains, and swollen lymph nodes.
Stage 2 symptoms encompass all of the above, along with rashes on various body parts, neck pain and stiffness, muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face, irregular heartbeats, pain extending from the back and hips to the legs, numbness or pain in the hands and feet, swelling of the eye tissues or eyelids, and eye pain or vision loss.
Stage 3, often referred to as late disseminated disease, presents all earlier symptoms and more. As per Mayo Clinic, one of the most common symptoms in American patients during this stage is arthritis in large joints, especially the knees.
It elaborates: “Pain, swelling or stiffness may last for a long time. Or the symptoms may come and go. Stage 3 symptoms usually begin 2 to 12 months after a tick bite.”