Lyme disease explained: how Justin Timberlake's experience reflects celebrity struggles

After concluding a massive global tour, pop superstar Justin Timberlake recently shared a deeply personal update with fans: he has been quietly battling Lyme disease. 

The singer and actor revealed that the experience of touring had been significantly more challenging than usual due to his ongoing fight with the condition, which he described as “relentlessly debilitating”. 

For those unfamiliar, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks.

The disease can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including overwhelming fatigue, joint and nerve pain, neurological issues and other complications that can be both mentally and physically exhausting. 

While many people can recover from Lyme disease with a timely course of antibiotics, others aren’t as fortunate.

If left undiagnosed or untreated, the illness can lead to life-altering and sometimes long-term symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. 

In his Instagram post, Timberlake opened up about his decision to keep performing despite the challenges.

“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 wrote.

“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.” 

Timberlake explained that at one point, walking away from touring felt like a real possibility - but in the end, his love of performing outweighed the pain.

“I’m so glad I kept going,” he said.

Timberlake is not alone. Over the years, several other celebrities have opened up about their battles with Lyme disease - bringing much-needed attention to a condition that often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood.

Avril Lavigne

The Canadian pop-rock singer has been one of the most vocal celebrities about the severity of Lyme disease. At one point, Lavigne was bedridden for two years.

“I spent the last few years at home sick, fighting Lyme disease,” she wrote in an emotional letter to fans on her website.

“At one point, I had accepted death and could feel my body shutting down. I felt like I was drowning. Like I was in a river being pulled in a current. Unable to breathe.” 

She didn’t hold back about the seriousness of the disease, writing, “A single bug bite can f*** you up hard. People aren’t aware that Lyme must be treated almost immediately.” 

Justin Bieber 

In early 2020, pop sensation Justin Bieber took to Instagram to address speculation about his appearance and health.

At the time, rumours had circulated suggesting drug use, but Bieber clarified that he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease - and that the illness had significantly impacted him.

“It’s been a rough couple of years,” he admitted.

“They failed to realise I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that, but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy and overall health.”

Amy Schumer

Comedian and actor Amy Schumer also revealed her own battle with Lyme disease in 2020.

In an Instagram post, she shared that she was undergoing treatment and feeling “good,” but reached out to her followers for advice and to hear about their experiences with the condition.

These are just a few of the many celebrities who have opened up about life with Lyme disease, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma for others who may be silently suffering. 

How is Lyme disease contracted - and what can those affected do?

Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. These ticks are typically found in wooded, bushy, or grassy areas - especially in parts of the United States, Europe and Asia.

The risk of infection increases in the warmer months when ticks are more active, and those who spend time outdoors are most at risk.

One of the earliest and most recognisable symptoms of Lyme disease is a red, expanding rash that may resemble a bull’s-eye.

This rash, known medically as erythema migrans, appears in approximately 70–80% of cases. However, not everyone develops the rash, which can make diagnosis more difficult. Other common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills.
• Severe fatigue.
• Muscle and joint aches.
• Headaches.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Neurological complications (in more advanced cases).

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, nervous system and heart, leading to more severe and potentially long-term complications such as memory issues, nerve pain or arthritis. 

Treatment and prevention

If detected early, experts reveal that Lyme disease can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin.

Most people recover fully with prompt treatment. However, if diagnosis is delayed, treatment may require a longer course of antibiotics and additional therapies to manage chronic symptoms.

To reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease, experts recommend the following preventative measures:  

• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, pants and closed shoes can help limit skin exposure when walking through tick-prone areas.
• Perform thorough tick checks: After spending time outdoors, check your entire body - especially hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms and the backs of knees.
• Remove ticks quickly and correctly: If a tick is found, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Avoid crushing the tick, and clean the area afterwards with an antiseptic. 

Although Lyme disease is not endemic to South Africa - meaning it doesn’t naturally occur there - cases have been reported, often involving individuals who recently travelled to affected regions like Europe or North America. 

According to "Affinity Health", travellers returning from high-risk countries should remain vigilant and monitor for symptoms.

If you believe you’ve been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms associated with Lyme disease, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider without delay.

Early diagnosis remains the best defence against the long-term effects of this serious but treatable condition.