Overview

• Justin Timberlake announced on Instagram July 31 that he has Lyme disease and linked it to his fatigue at the end of his world tour
• The 44-year-old singer attributed intense nerve pain and chronic exhaustion during performances to the tick-borne illness
• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites that often causes rash, flu-like symptoms and long-term physical or mental impairment
• The diagnosis follows fan criticism of Timberlake’s low energy on stage and comes just after his tour finale in Istanbul
• He emphasized that his public disclosure was meant to shed light on his health challenges rather than engender pity