Justin Timberlake says he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease: Is it common? Here's what you need to know

Indian Express

2 days ago

Singer Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, according to his Instagram post on Wednesday. He wrote that he had considered ending his latest concert tour when diagnosed but 'decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going.' He added that the disease 'can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.'
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans by infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint pains and other symptoms. In a majority of cases, Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics and is usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early.
'It is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. The tick picks it up while biting an infected animal and then transmits it to a human while biting it. Lyme disease is more common in temperate forests and tall grasses, especially in North America, Europe and Asia. Ticks that can transmit Lyme disease are found in India, too, particularly in the Himalayan region. Lyme disease is not that common in India but a few thousand cases are reported annually, the last major outbreak being reported from Wayanad, Kerala,' says Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi. Excerpts:
Ticks pick up the bacteria from feeding on infected animals, like mice or deer. Once infected, the tick can pass the bacteria to humans through a bite. It usually takes a tick attached to the skin for at least 36 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria. Therefore, early detection and removal of ticks can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Lyme disease often develops in stages and symptoms may vary from person to person. Early signs typically appear three to 30 days after the tick bite. A distinct bull's-eye rash, usually concentric red circles, develops at the site of the bite and slowly expands. The patient experiences fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes.
If left untreated, the disease can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees. Some patients develop facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), irregular heartbeats, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Diagnosing Lyme disease often involves a physical examination, discussion of symptoms and a history of possible tick exposure. Blood tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis, especially in later stages.
Treatment typically involves a course of oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime, depending on the age and health of the patient. Most people recover completely with timely treatment, although some may experience lingering symptoms like fatigue or joint pain — a condition referred to as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
Preventing Lyme disease involves taking precautions when spending time outdoors. Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas. Use insect repellents that contain DEET or permethrin. Perform tick checks after outdoor activities, especially in hard-to-see areas like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, and groin.
Shower soon after being outdoors to wash off ticks before they attach. Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.