Pop icon Justin Timberlake has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, sharing the news with his followers in an Instagram post on Thursday. This revelation came as he reflected on his recent conclusion of the two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. 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,” Timberlake wrote.
The 44-year-old singer, who shares two sons with wife Jessica Biel, expressed his initial hesitation in sharing his health condition. However, he felt compelled to be open with fans, hoping to foster understanding and transparency.
“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,” he reflected. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be on stage 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.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that can lead to serious complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system if not treated promptly. The standard treatment involves a 10- to 14-day course of antibiotics, though some individuals experience prolonged symptoms, a condition known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
Timberlake did not provide additional details about his treatment journey. He launched his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in April, wrapping up with his final performance this past Wednesday in Turkey. Earlier this year, Timberlake abruptly canceled his last U.S. show in Columbus, Ohio, citing a battle with the flu.
He has also faced scrutiny from fans during the European leg of the tour, who criticized him for not performing many of his own songs live and instead encouraging the audience to sing along.
Timberlake remained grateful for the experience of continuing his tour despite the challenges of his health. “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget,” he shared. “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
Lyme disease is reported as the most prevalent vector-borne illness in the U.S. Several other celebrities have also opened up about their experiences with the disease, including Amy Schumer, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted through tick bites, with the risk increasing during late spring, summer, and fall.
The CDC advises that ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours for transmission to occur, with symptoms arising as early as three days after a tick bite, such as fever, headache, and fatigue. If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious effects, including fever, rash, facial paralysis, irregular heartbeat, and arthritis, particularly prevalent in the Northeast and upper Midwest regions of the U.S.
To prevent Lyme disease, the CDC recommends various measures, including treating clothing and gear with permethrin, conducting thorough tick checks post outdoor activities, and using insect repellent containing DEET. Ticks can also enter homes through pets and clothing, so checking pets and tumble drying clothes on high heat for ten minutes after being outside is advised.
In the event of a tick bite, the CDC suggests gently pulling the tick away from the skin near its head. Conducting full body checks after being outdoors, especially in tick-prone areas, is essential for safety.
