If you've noticed Lyme disease popping up in your newsfeed, you're not imagining things.

Kiwi Google searches have surged this week, and it’s all linked to pop star Justin Timberlake.

The singer, who just wrapped his Forget Tomorrow world tour, shared in a heartfelt Instagram post that he’s been dealing with some health struggles—one of them being Lyme disease.

His goal? To help others understand what it really is and why early treatment matters.

So what is Lyme disease?

It’s a bacterial infection passed to humans through the bite of blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks).

The ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi, and the illness is most common in parts of North America, Europe and Asia.

New Zealand doesn’t have a known population of these ticks, so local cases are rare and usually travel-related.

Still, it’s a timely reminder to check symptoms and get medical advice after overseas hiking trips.

Lyme disease isn’t contagious between people.

Most cases can be cleared with antibiotics, but some people still experience fatigue and other issues months later.

Justin Timberlake’s honesty is prompting a fresh wave of public awareness—and for many Kiwis, it’s the first time they’ve really looked into the disease.

So if you’ve been Googling it too, you’re not alone.

Know something local worth sharing?

Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.