Science & Environment

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What is Lyme disease, the condition Justin Timberlake was diagnosed with?
Author of the article:Washington Post
Washington Post
Victoria Bisset, The Washington Post
Published Aug 01, 2025 • 3 minute read

As he wrapped up his Forget Tomorrow Tour, singer Justin Timberlake shared that he’s had some recent health challenges – including a diagnosis of Lyme disease.


It’s a condition that can be debilitating, and one that experts say is on the rise. But what is Lyme disease and what causes it?


What did Justin Timberlake say about Lyme disease?
“If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” Timberlake wrote on Instagram on Thursday.

“When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure,” he continued. “But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”

The Grammy-winning singer said the diagnosis forced him to consider stopping touring but added: “I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”


During the tour, Timberlake rescheduled a number of shows due to health issues.

Other celebrities have also spoken about their experience with Lyme disease, including pop star Justin Bieber and rock singer Avril Lavigne.

What is Lyme disease and what is it caused by?
Lyme disease is spread by bacteria from the bites of infected black-legged ticks. It’s named after Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease was first identified in the United States in 1975.

In the United States, around 476,000 people across the nation are diagnosed and treated for the disease every year, according to recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While ticks that carry the bacteria most common in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest, those who work or spend time in grassy areas where ticks live are more likely to be at risk, as well as those who have pets such as dogs that can bring them home.


The disease is also common in Europe and in south-central and southeastern Canada.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?
For many people with Lyme disease, a common early sign is a rash, which may look like a bull’s eye and can itch or feel warm to the touch.

Other symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and joint stiffness.

If it’s not treated, Lyme disease can cause more serious conditions including joint infection, nervous system diseases and inflammation of the heart.

Some people may also suffer from post-Lyme disease syndrome, which can cause ongoing nerve pain, fatigue and memory problems.

Lyme disease can be confused for other health conditions, and vice versa, so it’s important those who have symptoms speak to a health care provider.


Is there a cure for Lyme disease?
Most people who get Lyme disease make a full recovery after a few weeks of antibiotics. But there are no vaccines against Lyme disease – one shot approved in the United States was discontinued in 2002, with the producer blaming low demand.

But Pfizer and French pharmaceutical company Valneva are carrying out human trials for a new vaccine that could protect against North American and European strains of Lyme disease; Pfizer said last year that participants had received three doses and would be monitored until the end of the 2025 Lyme disease season.

The University of Massachusetts Medical School’s MassBiologics is also working on a seasonal preventative shot for the disease.

How can you prevent Lyme disease?
To avoid being infected with Lyme disease – or any of the other potentially serious diseases such as Babesiosis that ticks can transmit – it’s important to avoid getting bitten in the first place. That means wearing repellent, walking in the middle of trails and avoiding brushy areas where possible.


The Mayo Clinic also advises choosing light-colored clothing to help you see any ticks, avoiding open-toed shoes or sandals, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tucking clothing in.

After a walk, you should check yourself and your dog for ticks (You can find more information on avoiding tick bites and what to do if you find a tick on yourself or your dog here.)

It’s important to take precautions even if you’ve had Lyme disease before, as you can get it again.
 

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Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here’s what to know about the virus
Author of the article:Canadian Press
Canadian Press
Nicole Ireland
Published Aug 02, 2025 • Last updated 10 hours ago • 3 minute read

Confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada this year arrived just in time for the August long weekend.


The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus. There had previously been two people with West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while travelling outside the country.


Here’s what you need to know about West Nile virus as you head outdoors this weekend.

WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?
The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002.

The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the University Health Network in Toronto, but was carried to many places around the world by migratory birds.

When mosquitoes bite infected birds, they in turn become infected and then can pass on the virus to humans and other animals when they bite them.


The type of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite around dusk and at night, Bogoch said.

Human infections usually occur in mid to late summer, petering out as the temperature cools down.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says humans don’t spread the virus to other humans, except for very rare cases including blood transfusions, organ or tissue transplants, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
“The vast majority of people who are bitten by a mosquito harbouring West Nile virus will have no symptoms whatsoever,” said Bogoch.

For the 20 to 30 per cent of people who get sick, most will have a few days of symptoms that resolve on their own.

Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days after the mosquito bite. They can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and a stiff neck.


The concerning part of West Nile virus is that up to two per cent of people infected will get neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, Bogoch said.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and meningitis is inflammation of the area around the brain and spinal cord.

In “very rare” cases, people can also develop paralysis, he said.

Although anyone can get these severe West Nile virus infections, they tend to happen more in older adults, Bogoch said.

HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS TREATED?
There is no antiviral medication to treat West Nile virus. Most people won’t need medical attention and can manage aches and pains with over-the-counter acetaminophen, rest and fluids.

For the rare cases of neuroinvasive diseases, hospitals provide supportive care, including fluids and electrolytes, and provide rehabilitation if needed.


IS THERE A VACCINE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS?
There is no vaccine for West Nile virus.

HOW CAN I PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS?
The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito in the first place.

Using insect repellent is “very effective,” Bogoch said.

Both Bogoch and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend using bug sprays and lotions containing the chemicals DEET or Icaridine. Health Canada says those products should not be used on infants under six months old and parents can use mosquito nets over cribs or strollers when babies are outside instead.

Wearing long sleeves and long pants, socks and a hat can also protect against mosquito bites. People can also wear mosquito nets over their hats. Choose light-coloured clothing, because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.


Making sure all open windows have screens to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out is important.

Getting rid of any standing water around your home or cottage also helps because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain buckets, planters, old tires, pool covers, wading pools and other objects where water accumulates.

HOW COMMON IS IT?
The number of reported cases annually varies greatly since PHAC started tracking domestic infections in 2003, ranging from a handful of cases per year to a peak of 2,401 cases in 2007.

In 2024, there were 166 reported cases, according to PHAC’s preliminary data.

“For most Canadians, the risk of getting infected is low because relatively few mosquitoes in Canada are infected with West Nile virus,” said Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for PHAC, in an email Friday.
 

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What to know about bladder cancer, which is more common in men, after Deion Sanders revelation
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for the disease, the American Cancer Society says

Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Devi Shastri
Published Jul 29, 2025 • Last updated 4 days ago • 3 minute read

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year, had surgery to remove the organ and is now considered cured by his doctors, the Pro Football Hall of Famer said Monday.


Sanders said he is upbeat and plans to coach the Buffaloes this fall.


Bladder cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer death in the United States. But recent advancements in its treatment have improved outcomes for people who are diagnosed, according to the American Cancer Society.

The 57-year-old Sanders shared the details of his diagnosis and treatment, which involved surgeons reconstructing a section of his intestine to function as a bladder, and said it “was a fight, but we made it.”

Here’s what you should know about bladder cancer.

What is bladder cancer?
This cancer starts when the cells in the bladder, which stores urine, grow out of control and form tumors. In some cases, the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.


The most common symptom for bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can cause urine to look orange, pink, or rarely, dark red. The color change can come and go, the American Cancer Society says, and early tumors may not cause pain.

Pain or burning while urinating, weak stream, frequent urination or urge to go when the bladder isn’t full can also be signs of bladder cancer. Symptoms of advanced bladder cancer can include an inability to urinate, bone pain, loss of appetite, weakness, swollen feet and lower back pain on one side.

If you have symptoms, it is worth getting checked out, because all of those symptoms might be from other health issues. Blood in the urine is most often from an infection, a benign tumor, a kidney stone or bladder stone or other benign kidney disease, the American Cancer Society said.


Sanders said during a news conference on Monday that the cancer was found when he went for a precautionary annual CT scan; he has a history of blood clots in his legs.

How common is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is more common in men than women.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be nearly 85,000 new cases in 2025, with more than 65,000 in men.

The incidence rate for bladder cancer has decreased by 1% per year in recent years. Death rates have stayed relatively stable, declining by 1% per year since 2013.

What can cause bladder cancer?
Smoking is the biggest risk factor, the American Cancer Society said. The recent decline in incidence rates are likely due to fewer people smoking.

Other risk factors include working in jobs that expose you to chemicals — like painters, metal and leather workers, miners and firefighters. People who use a urinary catheter for a long time are also at higher risk.



What is the outlook for bladder cancer patients?
Outcomes for bladder cancer patients improve based on if and how much the cancer has spread.

The five-year relative survival rate is 72% to 97% if the cancer has not spread outside the bladder, but drops to 40% if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other nearby parts of the body, and 9% if it has spread further.

Treatment can include surgery to remove the tumor, parts of the bladder or the whole bladder; radiation; chemotherapy; targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy.