Justin Timberlake Has Opened Up About His Lyme Disease Diagnosis – But What It Is, And What Treatment Is Available?

You may have heard about Lyme Disease this week, as Justin Timberlake has recently opened up about his diagnosis. In an Instagram post, he spoke about his battle with the debilitating illness.

He wrote: '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,' adding '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 on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.'

In the last few years, a number of celebrities have opened up about suffering with the disease including Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid. The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) latest annual report has found that more than 1,500 cases of Lyme disease were reported across the UK in 2024.

But what exactly is Lyme disease and how do you treat it? We've done the research so you don't have to...

What exactly is Lyme disease?

‘Essentially it’s an infectious disease transmitted to people by the bite of an infected tick,’ says Stella Huyshe-Shires from Lyme Disease Action. ‘It causes a wide range of symptoms which include a circular red rash, headaches, a stiff neck, facial palsy, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and disturbances of sight, hearing, coordination, digestion and sleep.

‘The first reported case of Lyme Disease in the UK was in 1977 (but it was probably around before then) and it’s been increasing ever since. We don’t know if this is because of greater awareness, or more time spent outdoors or flying to places where you get ticks. And we don’t know why some people are more likely to get bitten and infected – in the same way we don’t know why some people get bitten by mosquitoes on holiday while the person they’re with don’t. It could be that some people have a stronger immune system and fight off a tick infection without even realising.’

Which celebrities have Lyme disease?

Justin Timberlake joins a number of celebrities who have opened up about having the disease. One of the most prominent A-listers to speak about Lyme disease is Justin Bieber, telling his followers in 2020 people had 'failed to realise I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.'

Amy Schumer has also been diagnosed with Lyme disease. She wrote on Instagram: 'Anyone get Lyme this summer? I got it and I'm on doxycycline,' adding 'Any advice? [...] Can you have a glass of wine or two on it? I know to stay out of the sun.'

Prior to this, 30 year-old Ally Hilfiger said in 2015 that the disease – which she believes she caught as a 7-year-old – has left her living ‘like an 80-year-old woman’. After years of misdiagnosis (her chronic fatigue, headaches and muscle pain were dismissed as growing pains) she was finally diagnosed at 21. ‘It has taken over every single cell in my body and in my brain,’ she said.

Yolanda Foster – star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and mother to supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid – announced her battle with Lyme Disease in 2012 and in 2015 admitted daughter Bella and son Anwar also have it.

Speaking about her struggle for diagnosis, Yolanda says: ‘I wasted the first year trying to get diagnosed and spent the next two trying to find a cure. I’ve now lost the ability to read, write or even watch TV, because I can’t process information.’

How do you get lyme disease and what treatment is available?

Stella says that ticks are found all over the world, including the UK, most commonly in gardens, woods and parks. ‘Cities also contain ticks – they’re not just a countryside problem. However, it’s important to remember that not all ticks carry Lyme Disease – we think it’s around a fifth – so the odds are in your favour if you do get bitten by one.’

Stella says that after spending time in woodland or sitting in long grass, you should always run your hands over any exposed areas of skin. If you find a poppy seed-sized tick, remove it as soon as possible with fine tweezers.

If lyme disease is diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics it’s usually curable. But Stella – and the celebrity sufferers – says there’s still a long way to go in terms of knowledge and awareness about the disease.

‘We still don’t have proper diagnostic testing, a vaccine or a cure for Lyme Disease,’ says Yolanda Foster who has since gone from antibiotics to ‘every holistic protocol there is to offer’ and regularly posts pictures of herself on Instagram trying out alterative therapies in a bid to treat and cure her disease.

‘The fact is a lot of research still needs to be done into the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease,’ says Stella.

The facts you need to know about lyme disease

For more information visit www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk.