What is Lyme’s disease, the infection that was diagnosed with singer Justin Timberlake

Timberlake explained that He received the diagnosis of Lyme’s disease while performing the concertswhich began in April 2024. Despite the symptoms, he decided to continue with the tour, although he acknowledged that he came to wonder if the best would not have been to cancel it.

What is Lyme’s disease

Lyme’s disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia Burgdorferiwhich is transmitted to the human being through the infected tick stingespecially those of type Ixodes, also known as black -legged ticks or deer ticks.

Although it is more frequent in the United States and some regions of Europe, it can occur in other parts of the world, especially in forested and humid areas where these parasites live. It is not transmitted from person to person, or by direct contact with infected animals.

In addition to Justin Timberlake, other artists who have spoken publicly about this disease are, such as Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Alec Baldwin and Bella Hadid.

How it is transmitted

The main route of contagion is the bite of an infected tick, which You need to be attached to the skin for a prolonged period (Usually more than 36 hours) to transmit the bacteria.

The ticks are housed mainly in:

• Rural or mountainous areas.
• Natural parks or paths with high grass.
• Domestic animals that can transport ticks in their fur.

Infection in urban areas is not common, but it can occur in people who carry out outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting or practicing hiking.

Symptoms: How to know if I have Lyme

Lyme’s disease usually evolves in several stages if not. The first symptoms They can appear between 3 and 30 days after the bite.

Early stage (located):

• Circular red spot in the place of the bite, which can be expanded (known as “migratory erythema”).
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Mild muscle pain.

Intermediate stage (disseminated):

• More intense joint pain.
• Inflammation of lymph nodes.
• Heart problems (such as palpitations or arrhythmias).
• Neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness in the limbs, facial paralysis (Bell paralysis).

Late stage:

• Severe arthritis, especially on the knees.
• Persistent neurological alterations (such as memory, concentration or insomnia problems).

How it is diagnosed

The diagnosis is based on the Patient’s medical historyto corroborate if it was in a risk zone or if you remember a bite; a physical examinationespecially if the migratory erythema is presented; and a blood test Like Elisa and Western Blot, in order to detect antibodies against bacteria.

It is important to note that the analysis can give false negatives in the first weeks, so many times the treatment begins before confirming by laboratory if the clinical picture is clear.

Do you have treatment?

Yes. Lyme’s disease is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime, for a period that can go from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the stage in which the patient is.

When detected early, treatment is usually very effective. However, if it is diagnosed late, some people may experience persistent symptoms even after the bacteriological cure, a picture known as Post Lyme syndrome.

Can it be prevented?

There is no vaccine currently approved for humans, although it is in development. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites:

• Wear long sleeve clothes and long pants when walking in forested areas.
• Apply repellent with Deet.
• Check the body and clothes when returning from outside.
• Bathe or shower soon after being outdoors.
• Examine pets that may have been in contact with Pasto or Earth.