Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is most commonly spread to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. These ticks are often found in grassy or wooded areas and are most active in spring and summer.

How It’s Contracted

People can contract Lyme disease when bitten by an infected tick. The tick must typically be attached to the skin for 24–48 hours before the bacteria can be transmitted. Many people are unaware they’ve been bitten because the ticks are tiny, and bites are painless.

Immediate Action After a Tick Bite

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it immediately with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward steadily without twisting. After removal, clean the bite area with soap and water. Monitor for symptoms such as a bullseye-shaped rash, fatigue, fever, and joint pain. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear—early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective.

Geographic Hotspots

In the U.S., Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. In Canada, southern Ontario, Nova Scotia, and parts of British Columbia report the highest cases. Globally, Lyme disease occurs in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in temperate forested regions.

Famous Faces with Lyme Disease

Several celebrities have helped raise awareness by sharing their own struggles with Lyme disease. Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Bella Hadid, Avril Lavigne, and Shania Twain have all publicly discussed their battles with the illness, highlighting its serious and sometimes chronic effects when left untreated.

Awareness and prompt treatment are key to preventing long-term complications from Lyme disease.