What is Lyme disease, and does Justin Timberlake have it?
New Jersey had the third-most cases of Lyme disease in the nation as recently as 2022, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
And with Lyme disease outbreaks on the rise throughout the country, here's what you need to know about Lyme disease and steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by tick bites but isn't spread person-to-person, noted the the New Jersey Department of Health.
The Lyme disease-causing ticks thrive in woodsy areas, such as much of New Jersey.
What are Lyme disease symptoms?
The three stages of Lyme disease have different symptoms, according to PennMedicine:
Stage 1: chills; fevers; joint and muscle pain
Stage 2: Nerve numbness; facial paralysis; fainting spells; meningitis
Stage 3: fluid buildup in joints; neuropathy
How you can prevent, treat Lyme disease
The New Jersey Department of Health advises you to avoid wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, perform tick checks and mowing lawns frequently will help you avoid tick bites and Lyme disease.
"After spending time in tick-infested areas, ask a partner to check you for ticks in areas on your body that you can't see very well," advised the Harvard Medical School. "The common bite areas are the back of the knee, the groin, under the arms, under the breasts in women, behind the ears, and at the back of the neck."
Justin Timberlake confirms Lyme disease diagnosis
Superstar pop singer Justin Timberlake told his fans in an instagram post that his Lyme disease diagnosis nearly forced him off tour.
"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," read a portion of Timberlake's lengthy Instagram post. "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," Timberlake's post continued. "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 Business Insider, Timberlake is just the most recent celebrity to come down with Lyme disease.
In 2020, both Justin Bieber and Amy Schumer reportedly confirmed their Lyme disease diagnosis, and Avril Lavigne was reportedly bedridden by Lyme disease in 2014.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What is Lyme disease, and did Justin Timberlake say he had it?
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In my experience as a physician and patient advocate, I have met many people who believe they have this condition and are really suffering. Many are debilitated as a result and unable to function as they previously did. Just like long Covid and other similar conditions, there is much that we do not understand about this condition. Far more research needs to be done in order to alleviate the very real agony and distress that these patients are experiencing. CNN: Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease? Wen: There are several vaccines against Lyme disease for dogs. For humans, there are some late-stage clinical trials that are ongoing, including one by Valneva and Pfizer that could be submitted for regulatory approval by 2025. CNN: What are ways to avoid contracting Lyme? Wen: Without a vaccine, the best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. If you are going to areas where ticks known to carry Lyme are found, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. 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