The tick threat spreads from the heart to the brain! Justin Timberlake is also on the list: 'The first signal is fatigue'
Betül Yasemin Kökbek / Milliyet.com.tr - Ticks, a summer nightmare, continue to intensify their impact worldwide . Transmitted to humans from forested areas or wild animals, ticks can have fatal consequences if left undetected . Another threat that ticks have caused worldwide spread in recent years, including serious illnesses such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), is Lyme disease. This infectious disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi , is usually transmitted through tick bites. If left untreated, it can affect the joints, nervous system, and heart, causing permanent damage.
Every year, thousands of people contract Lyme disease from tick bites and face a challenging treatment process. Many celebrities have been diagnosed with the disease in recent years. Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, Kelly Osbourne, and Alec Baldwin are just a few . The latest addition to this list is the famous singer Justin Timberlake. Timberlake recently announced that he had Lyme disease and shared his experience with his followers on social media. Timberlake's statement once again underscored the widespread prevalence of the disease and the importance of raising awareness.
Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Servet Alan explained all the details of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks, its prevention methods, and its prevalence in Turkey to Milliyet.com.tr.
EVEN HIS FANS NOTICED THE SITUATION
World-renowned American artist Justin Timberlake has been going through some tough times lately , and this has drawn the attention of his fans. Fans speculated that the singer looked more tired than usual and that his health might be deteriorating. Timberlake agreed with them, saying he feels constantly tired and that something isn't right with his body. Timberlake, who has finally undergone a series of health checks, recently shared the following on Instagram:
"I was battling some health issues and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I'm not saying this to make you feel sorry for me, but I want to shed some light on what I was going through behind the scenes. I was facing a personal decision: Should I stop touring or should I keep going and find a way? I decided that the joy of being on stage far outweighed the temporary stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going. I was hesitant to talk about it because I was always taught to keep these things to myself. But I'm trying to be more open about my struggles so they don't get misinterpreted. Not only did I prove my mental toughness to myself during this time, but I also experienced some very special moments with all of you that I'll never forget."
Justin Timberlake wasn't the only person affected by Lyme disease. His colleague Justin Bieber had also been dealing with the ravages of the disease on his body for years. Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2020, Bieber was subjected to numerous hypotheses. Some speculated that he was using illegal substances, others that he was exhibiting strange behaviors to attract attention, and still others that he had an incurable disease. In addition to the Lyme disease he contracted in 2020, Bieber also suffered from severe chronic mononucleosis, which affected his skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.
'IT EXISTS IN Türkiye, BUT NOT LIKE THE US OR EUROPE'
Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with this disease and seek treatment. Awareness of this disease, which profoundly affects both the public and public figures, can make its effects more manageable. Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Servet Alan shed light on all the known and undiscussed details of Lyme disease.
Ticks, which we've been talking about much more frequently in recent years, especially during the summer months, are causing significant concern both in Turkey and globally. Specialist Dr. Servet Alan began his remarks by explaining whether ticks, which can lead to deadly diseases like CCHF , could also cause Lyme disease in Turkey. He made the following statement:
The Ixodes ticks that transmit Lyme disease are also common in Türkiye. Antibody studies also indicate that people in various regions of Türkiye have encountered this agent. However, based on the data we have so far, this disease is not as common as it is in the United States or some central European countries. Future studies will allow us to more clearly understand the prevalence of the disease in our country.
Dr. Servet Alan explained that Lyme disease, a disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus, is widespread in the US, Europe, and Asia, emphasizing that 89,000 Lyme cases are reported annually in the US. Dr. Alan explained that if Lyme disease is not diagnosed and treated early, late-stage Lyme disease, manifesting as joint pain, skin findings, and neurological and musculoskeletal complications, can occur. He explained, " Like less severe forms, late-stage Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Medical opinions differ on the appropriate duration of antibiotic treatment. However, most patients recover well ."
TREATMENT MAY TAKE A LONG TIME BECAUSE...
Dr. Alan explained that early-stage Lyme disease is generally treated with antibiotics for 7-14 days, while late-stage Lyme disease, such as joint-involved Lyme arthritis, takes 14-28 days. He added that this period can be extended for an additional 14-28 days if there's insufficient response. He added that treatment can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the organ systems affected by the disease. Dr. Alan explained that the antibodies that make the diagnosis can be positive even after treatment. He added, " Some symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle and joint pain, can persist even after the bacteria in the body have been killed by antibiotic treatment. This condition is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS ) .
"If Lyme disease is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, late-stage Lyme disease, which can cause joint, skeletal and muscular system involvement and nervous system involvement, can occur." - Specialist Dr. Servet Alan
Specialist Dr. Servet Alan stated that it's not always easy to detect a tick bite , saying, "3-30 days after a tick bite, an average of 7 days, a gradually expanding red rash called erythema migrans (EM) appears on the skin. This rash can reach up to 30 cm in size. Even without EM, fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes can occur. When these symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. A two-stage test is then performed to diagnose the disease . The first stage involves checking the blood for IgM and IgG antibodies against Lyme disease. If these antibodies are detected, the diagnosis is confirmed with a Western Blot test ."
'DO NOT POUR COLOGNE, DO NOT LIGHT A CIGARETTE'
To protect yourself from Lyme disease, Dr. Servet Alan emphasized the importance of wearing clothing that covers your body as much as possible to prevent tick attachment when outdoors, and light-colored clothing that will make ticks visible. He reminded everyone that trousers can be tucked into socks, and shirts or T-shirts can be tucked into pants . He emphasized that after returning from outdoor activities, the entire body should be examined for tick attachment, emphasizing that if a tick is detected, it should be removed without delay.
Specialist Dr. Alan stated that early tick removal can reduce the risk of disease transmission , concluding his statement by saying, "Chemicals like cologne, kerosene, or cigarette flames should not be used to remove the tick. This could cause the tick to transfer its secretions to the person it is feeding on. The tick should not be handled or popped with bare hands. A healthcare provider should be consulted for this ."
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