Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis

American singer Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

The 44-year-old shared the news on Instagram while reflecting on the end of his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which recently wrapped up in Turkey.

Timberlake said he had been dealing with health problems during the tour.

“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease,” he wrote. “Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”

 

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Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks with symptoms including fatigue, fever and joint pain.

If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues, but it is usually treatable with antibiotics.

Timberlake said he first noticed symptoms like nerve pain and exhaustion while performing and considered ending the tour, but decided to continue.

“I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling,” he wrote. “I’m so glad I kept going.”

Several of Timerlake's shows had previously been postponed due to other health issues, including bronchitis and laryngitis.

Describing himself as "a pretty private person", the singer said he chose to speak out about his diagnosis to raise awareness and to help others going through similar struggles.

"I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted."

"Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”

Timberlake played Malahide Castle in Dublin earlier this summer as part of the Forget Tomorrow tour.