London, England – The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging the public to be tick aware this summer following the release of new data showing 1,581 laboratory confirmed cases of lyme disease in 2024. While this represents a slight decrease from the previous year, officials believe the actual number of cases is likely higher. The agency noted that the South West, South East, and London regions reported the most cases, and that infections typically peak in the spring and summer months when people are more likely to be outdoors.
Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacterium transmitted by infected ticks, can be successfully treated with antibiotics if caught early. The UKHSA advises people to take precautions such as sticking to well-defined paths and wearing clothing that covers the skin when in green spaces. The agency also recommends checking for ticks daily.
In other news, pop star Justin Timberlake has announced that he has been diagnosed with lyme disease. In a social media post, Timberlake described the condition as "relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically." He is not the first celebrity to speak out about their experience with the illness; other public figures including Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber have also shared their struggles.
Meanwhile, researchers continue to make advances in understanding and treating lyme disease. A study from Northwestern University has identified an existing antibiotic, piperacillin, that was shown to be effective in treating lyme disease in mice at a much lower dose than the current standard treatment, doxycycline. Additionally, scientists at Tulane University have found a new potential treatment path for the persistent neurological symptoms that some patients experience even after antibiotic treatment. These findings offer hope for more effective treatments and improved quality of life for those living with the disease.
