Health
Lyme Disease Cases Rise: What to Know
Health Points
- Lyme disease is spreading in the U.S. as tick populations grow due to warmer, more humid conditions.
- Symptoms may include fever, aches, chills, fatigue, and sometimes a rash, but can be successfully treated if caught early.
- Lyme disease has affected several public figures, raising awareness of its impact and the importance of prevention.
Lyme disease and other illnesses carried by ticks are increasing across the country as these insects thrive in changing climates. Blacklegged ticks, often responsible for spreading Lyme, must stay attached to a person for at least 24 hours to transmit the bacteria that causes infection.
Reported Lyme disease cases in 2022 were significantly higher than recent years, with affected regions expanding beyond the traditional Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest states. Most cases still originate in about 15 states, but tick-borne illness risk now stretches from coast to coast.
People are most likely to contract Lyme disease from spring to early fall, yet ticks can cause illness at any time of year in some areas. Typical early symptoms can include fever, body aches, chills, tiredness, and, on occasion, a rash. Not everyone develops a visible rash after being bitten.
The CDC explains that oral antibiotics taken for two to four weeks help most patients recover fully. However, a small number of people experience ongoing symptoms like fatigue and pain months after treatment, though experts say this is rare and may be connected to other health conditions.
“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me — but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” Justin Timberlake shared on social media.
Amy Schumer revealed, “Anyone get Lyme this summer? I got it and I’m on doxycycline.” Justin Bieber also discussed his experience, noting, “I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease… it affected my skin, brain function, energy and overall health.” Alec Baldwin once remarked, “I got the classic Lyme disease (symptoms) for each successive summer, for five years, every August.” Shania Twain recounted, “I was horseback riding, and I was bit by a tick. The tick was infected with Lyme disease.” Ben Stiller described, “My knee became inflamed and they couldn’t figure out what it was, then they found out it was Lyme.” Avril Lavigne remembered, “I was ‘bedridden for five months’… I had no idea a bug bite could do this.” Debbie Gibson has also spoken publicly about her journey with Lyme disease.
If you have symptoms or suspect a tick bite, contact a health provider promptly—early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
