Justin Bieber is among the list of famous faces who have previously been diagnosed with a specific bacterial infection that seems to be common among celebrities.
Joining the likes of household names like Bella Hadid, Ben Stiller, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Osbourne and Shania Twain, who have all opened up about their own experiences with the disease, the Canadian singer revealed his diagnosis in 2019.
The illness we're talking about, of course, is Lyme disease - a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks.
The symptoms of Lyme disease
The NHS explains that those infected will often see a circular or oval shape rash appear around the tick bite. The rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within one to four weeks, and can last for several weeks.
Some people also get flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after they were bitten by an infected tick, such as:
- A high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness and loss of energy
Justin Bieber's Lyme disease diagnosis
Six years ago, Bieber was suffering from extreme bouts of fatigue, leading him to undergo a series of medical tests.
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Just a few weeks later, the dad-of-one was delivered the devastating news that he had contracted the illness, and it was to blame for the way he was feeling.
Speculation over Bieber's health
In the months prior to the announcement, the 'Daisies' singer came under vast health speculation, with false rumours swirling that he had a drug problem.
This was because the internet jumped to conclusions after seeing images of the star looking unwell with blotches on his skin.
Taking to Instagram to shut down the speculation, he told his followers: "While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s**t, on meth etc. they 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."
He added: "It's been a rough couple years but [I’m] getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever."
At the time, he said he was getting 'the right treatment' and then in 2020 went on to release a documentary called The Dark Season about his struggles and time away from music.
"So, I've been struggling with my energy for quite some time now, and I just haven't known why," he told a doctor in the programme.
He then added: "I realised after a series of tests that I have what's called Lyme disease, which is a super silent disease that's not really very well known. It's very hard for doctors to test for it."
Also speaking in the doc, Dr Erica Lehman - one of the Bieber's physicians at the time and an expert in thee condition - explained: "Lyme disease is the fastest growing bacterial infection in the United States right now.
"We know that it can cause a whole spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms - mood changes, irritability, depression, anxiety.
"Justin fits the picture of these symptoms."
Topics: Justin Bieber, Lyme disease, Justin Timberlake, Bella Hadid, Celebrity, Health
Madison Burgess