Justin Timberlake recently shared with his followers on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, following two years of global touring.
Timberlake, who considers himself a ‘private person,’ felt it was important to share ‘a little bit about what’s going on with [him]’ with his supporters.
He stated on Instagram: “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.”
The Mayo Clinic notes that Lyme disease is transmitted through borrelia bacteria, typically after a tick bite.
“You’re at risk of Lyme disease if you spend time where the ticks live, such as grassy, brushy or wooded areas”, the website elaborates.
Though ticks can be found throughout the US, Lyme disease is especially prevalent in the upper Midwest, as well as the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions.
Following Timberlake’s disclosure, various other celebrities have also spoken out about their battles with Lyme Disease over time.
In her Netflix documentary Not Just a Girl, Twain opened up about dealing with Lyme Disease during her tours in the early 2000s.
The country music star discussed how the illness affected her vocal cords, impacting her ability to perform before massive audiences worldwide.
The 59-year-old recounted: “I was horseback riding, and I was bit by a tick. The tick was infected with Lyme disease. My symptoms were quite scary, because before I was diagnosed, I was on stage very dizzy, I was losing my balance, I was afraid I was going to fall off the stage.
“I was having these very, very millisecond blackouts, but regularly — every minute or every 30 seconds.”
The comedian and actor revealed her Lyme Disease diagnosis in an Instagram post in September 2020, using humor rather than taking a serious tone.
“Anyone get LYME this summer? I got it and I’m on doxycycline,” the Trainwreck actor wrote.
“I have maybe had it for years. Any advice? Can you have a glass of wine or 2 on it?”
In 2020, the ‘Baby’ singer disclosed his Lyme Disease diagnosis after fans expressed concern about his health following the release of unflattering photos online.
“While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s***, on meth etc. they failed to realize I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease,” the singer shared on Instagram.
“It’s been a rough couple years but getting the right treatment will help … and I will be back and better than ever.”
The actor experienced severe symptoms like sweats and high fever after a tick bite over 20 years ago.
These symptoms rendered Baldwin bedridden, leading him to fear for his survival.
He told People: “I really thought this is it, I’m not going to live. I was alone, I wasn’t married at the time, I was divorced from my first wife. I was lying in bed saying, ‘I’m going to die of Lyme disease’ in my bed and ‘I hope someone finds me and I’m not here for too long’.”
Numerous other celebrities have also battled Lyme Disease at some point in their lives, including Bella Hadid, singer Avril Lavigne, actor Ben Stiller, Kelly Osbourne, Kris Kristofferson, Ally Hilfiger, and Ryan Sutter.