People only just realising how many celebrities have the same disease as list is revealed
There's a disease which is said to impact around 400,000 people in the US every year, while in the UK there are around 3,000 to 4,000 new cases yearly.
However, the figures are thought to be much higher in reality, as according to GOV.uk, many cases are treated without formal laboratory confirmation.
Some people come up with a 'bullseye' rash, which means they are treated without testing.
The condition also often goes undiagnosed for years as many of the symptoms match other diseases, or the sufferer may even be asymptomatic for a long time, which can cause a multitude of side effects.
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Many Hollywood A-listers have recently revealed they suffer with the condition, too, with Justin Timberlake being the latest to reveal his diagnosis this week.
One fan has noticed how many celebs seem to be impacted, and has shared a list of some of the names who have confirmed they have the condition.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a condition which is transmitted by a tick bite.
It's worth noting that not every tick carries Lyme, and not every tick bite even from an infected bug will turn into Lyme disease.
Recent European studies say 1% to 5% of tick bites can lead to the condition, with the UK government believing 4% of ticks are infected in England and Wales, but it can fluctuate depending on the area and may be as high as 8-10% in some places.
After being bitten by an infected tick, if the disease is transmitted, the sufferer may develop the classic Lyme 'bullseye' erythema migrans rash, within 3 to 30 days of the bite.
According to the NHS, in some cases it may appear up to three months later.
However, only 70% of patients develop a rash with many others never seeing one, which can lead to the condition going undiagnosed for many years, even decades.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
As well as the tell-tale 'bullseye' rash, many people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and fatigue.
In more sever cases, it can cause a facial droop, nerve pains and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
It can also cause heart problems, with a condition called Lyme carditis.
The sooner it is treated the better, and the patient will be given a course of antibiotics for at least 28 days, while more severe cases may be given them intravenously.
Usually, if it is caught early, Lyme responds well to the treatment, however, sufferers can still experience fatigue for many weeks or months afterwards.
Which celebrities have spoken out about Lyme disease?
Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to share his diagnosis.
He wrote to fans: "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."
He added: "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. I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going."
Bella Hadid revealed her diagnosis in 2016, telling the Evening Standard: "It was a dark time … I was exhausted all the time. It affected my memory so I suddenly wouldn't remember how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu where I lived. I couldn't ride [horses]. I was just too sick. And I had to sell my horse because I couldn't take care of it."
In 2015, Avril Lavigne shared her diagnosis: "I had no idea a bug bite could do this. I was bedridden for five months."
"When you go through something like that, you realise how fulfilling simple things are - things I could do anymore, like being able to get up in the morning and go to the kitchen and grab a cup of coffee," she added. "It taught me patience; it taught me being more present. That was a beautiful lesson."
Why do so many celebrities have Lyme disease?
Theories have been shared as to why so many celebrities are contracting the condition.
Many people think it is down to lifestyle factors, and many celebs are fond of the outdoors or often live on sprawling estates in areas like the Hamptons and the Malibu canyons where ticks are rife.
They also tend to go on hikes and also enjoy hobbies like horse riding, which can increase the risk.
Celebs also receive the best medical care, meaning they are also more likely to be tested and to receive a diagnosis.
Who is on the list?
- Justin Timberlake
- Justin Bieber
- Bella Hadid
- Yolanda Hadid
- Anwar Hadid
- Avril Lavigne
- Shania Twain
- Alec Baldwin
- Ben Stiller
- Kelly Osbourne
- Amy Schumer
- Riley Keough
- Kelley Flanagan
- Debbie Gibson
- Kelly Dodd
- Ramona Singer
- Ally Hilfiger
- Kathleen Hanna
- Kris Kristofferson
- Amy Tan
- Daryl Hall
- Alice Walker
- Christie Brinkley
- Christy Turlington
- George W. Bush
- George E. Pataki
- Phil Bredesen
- Richard Gere
Topics: Lyme disease, Health, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Celebrity
Jen Thomas