Justin Timberlake says he has Lyme disease. Here's what that means and how to protect yourself from ticks
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CBC
4 days ago
- CBC
Lyme disease more common as warmer summers bring more ticks
Singer Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to announce he's been battling Lyme disease, but experts say cases of the tick-borne illness are on the rise in Canada, too, largely because warmer summers have extended tick season.
Global News
4 days ago
- Global News
What to know about Lyme disease amid ‘steady increase' in Canada, U.S.
Cases of Lyme disease have been building steadily in Canada and the U.S. over the past few years, with the infectious tick-borne illness once again making its way into international headlines. Justin Timberlake last week became the latest celebrity to announce he has been battling the 'relentlessly debilitating' disease, which causes sometimes-severe symptoms that can persist for years. Other high-profile cases in recent years include the Canadian musicians Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain. Lyme disease is passed on to humans through the bites of infected ticks, which thrive in warmer temperatures. Climate change and shifting weather patterns have created more favourable conditions for ticks beyond just the hot summer months, and has also allowed ticks to expand their habitats across Canada, bringing them into closer contact with humans and animals. Health Canada warns that ticks can be active whenever the temperature stays above freezing and the ground isn't snow-covered, creating a year-round risk. Story continues below advertisement 'There has been a steady increase in the number of Lyme disease cases in Canada, primarily because the geographic range of ticks has changed over the last 20 years,' a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) spokesperson told Global News in an email. 2:27 Lyme disease risks The latest national Lyme disease data shows there were 5,239 reported cases in Canada in 2024. However, PHAC says this preliminary count is likely an underestimation of the final total. A decade ago, there were only 522 reported cases in 2014. Similarly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there were 89,470 Lyme disease cases in that country in 2023, the most recent year on record — a dramatic spike from 36,308 cases in 2013. PHAC says beyond shifting animal populations and climate change creating more favourable conditions for ticks, 'an increase in awareness of Lyme disease may also have resulted in more reported cases.' Story continues below advertisement What are the symptoms? Lyme disease is caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and is primarily transmitted by infected black-legged deer ticks. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. Patients have sometimes reported agonizing pain that can last for years, sometimes disappearing and re-emerging. 1:56 Lyme disease rates increasing in Canada In his social media post announcing his diagnosis, Timberlake said he had experienced 'massive amount of nerve pain' as well as 'crazy fatigue or sickness' while performing on stage during his just-completed world tour. Story continues below advertisement He added that at one point he was unsure if he could continue with the tour, but chose to push through. Twain has said her bout of Lyme disease led to dysphonia, a medical condition that left her unable to sing, back in 2011 that took her a year to recover from. Lavigne, who contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite in 2014, told People magazine a year later that she was left bedridden for five months. 'I felt like I couldn't breathe, I couldn't talk, and I couldn't move,' the Canadian singer said at the time. 'I thought I was dying.' Both Lavigne and Bieber, who revealed his battle with the disease in 2020, were forced to take years away from performing and touring while they recovered. Last year, a 30-year-old Quebec woman opted for doctor-assisted death after years of battling the illness that left her bedridden, saying the intensity of the pain in her body was too much to bear. 2:16 Woman opts for assisted death after years of struggling with Lyme disease Are there treatments? Despite the growing concern about Lyme disease, current preventive measures are limited to using tick-repellent spray, using antibiotics and performing tick checks after spending time outdoors. Story continues below advertisement Health Canada says treating Lyme disease early improves the chance of recovery. However, it also warns symptoms may continue even after treatment, and that even continued antibiotic treatment 'hasn't been shown to improve symptoms or outcomes.' There's currently no Lyme disease vaccine available for humans. The last available vaccine, LYMERix, was discontinued in 2022 due to what the manufacturer called 'insufficient consumer demand.' However, there are clinical trials taking place in Europe and the U.S., according to Health Canada and the U.S. CDC. 6:07 What you need to know about of tick-borne illnesses Health authorities say the best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites. Beyond using tick-repellant spray, people are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, tuck their shirts and pants, and wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants to spot ticks easily when going into outdoor areas where ticks are can be found. Story continues below advertisement Provincial and territorial health authorities have more information on where ticks are prominent. PHAC also has an online database of higher-risk areas across the country. Health Canada also has information online on how to remove ticks from the body to avoid infection.
Canada News.Net
01-08-2025
- Canada News.Net
Justin Timberlake diagnosed with Lyme disease during 'Forget Tomorrow World Tour'
Washington DC [US], August 1 (ANI): Singer and actor Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease and opened up about the struggles he's faced while on his 'Forget Tomorrow World Tour,' reported Variety. The singer posted a bunch of pictures from his tour while detailing his diagnosis to coincide with the conclusion of his global tour. Fans recently noticed that Timberlake appeared sluggish and low-energy during performances on the international leg of the trek, which he suggested was due to the nerve damage and fatigue he experienced from Lyme disease, as per his Instagram post. '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,' wrote Justin Timberlake. The 'Mirrors' singer described his mindset when he first got diagnosed with Lyme disease, explaining that he contemplated stopping the tour but ultimately decided to continue for the love of performance. '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,' said Justin Timberlake. The singer further said that he was hesitant to talk about his personal struggles. '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. Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I'd like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too,' wrote Justin Timberlake.
