Symptoms of Lyme disease explained after Justin Timberlake reveals 'shock' diagnosis

Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has Lyme disease.

In 2023, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention received 89,000 reports of Lyme disease in the US.

But, in a more recent update from the CDC posted this year, it was reported that this figure was actually much higher. Their research found that around 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year in America.

There are several famous faces who have spoken out about their battles with the condition, some being Bella Hadid, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, and Alec Baldwin.

Now, Justin Timberlake has become the latest star to be diagnosed with the debilitating condition. He announced the news on his Instagram on July 31 in a lengthy statement.

What has Justin Timberlake said?

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

"As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person", the star shared. "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 penned in the wake of his two-year tour coming to an end.

"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 music star continued to say that he hopes his honest admission about his health will help people 'find a way to be more connected'.

"I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too," Timberlake added.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is caused by tick bites (Getty Stock Image)

Early symptoms of Lyme disease can start anywhere between three to 30 days after being bitten by a tick. A circular rash around the area you've been bitten is a one of the most common symptoms.

There are said to be three stages to Lyme disease, explains Mayo Clinic.

Stage 1 symptoms include: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, joint stiffness, muscle aches and pains, and swollen lymph nodes.

Stage 2 symptoms include all of the above, as well as: rashes on different parts of the body, neck pain and stiffness, muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face, irregular heartbeats, pain that starts from the back and hips and spreads to the legs, pain or numbness in the hands and feet, swelling of the eye's tissues or eyelids, and eye pain or vision loss.

Stage 3, also known as late disseminated disease, is when someone with Lyme disease will have all the symptoms from prior stages and more. According to Mayo Clinic one of the most common symptoms of stage 3 in American patients is arthritis in large joints, particularly the knees.

It adds: "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."