Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis: ‘Relentlessly debilitating’

Highlights

• Justin Timberlake confirms he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease
  
• Describes symptoms including nerve pain, fatigue and sickness during tour
  
• Nearly half a million Americans are estimated to be treated for Lyme each year
  
• Lyme disease can cause long-term complications if untreated
  
• Prevention includes wearing protective clothing, using repellents and regular tick checks
  

Timberlake shares personal struggle with Lyme disease

Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, describing the condition as “relentlessly debilitating” in a post shared on Instagram. The singer, 44, said the illness affected him both physically and mentally, particularly during the demanding schedule of his recent world tour.

“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease,” he wrote. “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.”

Symptoms impacted his live performances

Timberlake completed a 41-date global tour over two years, but said the illness left him in severe pain while onstage. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure,” he continued. “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.”

The singer faced some criticism in recent months for delivering what fans described as low-energy performances — now potentially understood as a result of his undiagnosed illness.

Despite the challenges, Timberlake explained that he chose to carry on performing. “The joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling,” he said. He added that he hopes speaking out will raise awareness for others living with Lyme disease.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by bites from infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. The disease is caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi in the United States, and can trigger a wide range of symptoms.

Early signs may include a circular or target-shaped rash, fever, headache, fatigue and joint pain. If left untreated, it can develop into more serious complications such as arthritis, nerve damage, facial palsy and inflammation of the brain or heart.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 89,000 cases were reported in 2023 — a 40% increase on the previous year — though true numbers may exceed 470,000 annually based on treatment estimates.

Treatment and long-term effects

Lyme disease is typically treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics, but even after treatment, 5–10% of patients may continue to experience symptoms like fatigue, body aches and cognitive issues for months.

Timely diagnosis is key, as delayed treatment can lead to long-term health problems. Experts recommend medical consultation even if symptoms emerge weeks after a possible tick exposure.

How to reduce your risk of Lyme disease

Experts advise several steps to help prevent tick bites and the risk of Lyme disease:

• Wear protective clothing: Cover skin when walking in wooded or grassy areas. Tuck trousers into socks and wear long sleeves.
  
• Use tick repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  
• Avoid high-risk environments: Stay clear of tall grass, leaf litter and dense vegetation, especially during warm months.
  
• Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, inspect your body — especially the scalp, waistline, armpits and behind the knees.
  
• Remove ticks promptly: Use tweezers to remove ticks as soon as they are found. Seek medical advice if bitten, even if no symptoms appear.