CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The 'Queen of Country Pop', Shania Twain, recently took a tumble on stage during her 76-date concert tour in Chicago. It sparked concern among her fans about the lingering effects of Lyme disease on her health. Despite the fall, the resilient 57-year-old singer quickly recovered and bravely continued the show. However, sources indicate that the incident served as a poignant reminder of her ongoing two-decade battle with Lyme disease, suggesting that the effects of the tick-borne illness may persist indefinitely.

Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by bacteria transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. The disease is most commonly found in wooded and grassy areas where these ticks are prevalent. Lyme disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic skin rash known as erythema migrans. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, leading to more serious complications. Early detection and prompt treatment with antibiotics are crucial in effectively managing Lyme disease.

Has Shania Twain's Lyme disease returned?

Twain contacted the disease in 2003 when she was bitten by a bug during a horseback ride. As a result, she suffered nerve damage in her vocal cords, causing difficulties with her singing abilities. Additionally, she faced episodes of mini blackouts and struggled with balance, leaving her unsteady on her feet.

In the Netflix documentary, 'Not Just a Girl', Shania Twain candidly shared her personal experience of battling Lyme disease for over two decades. "The tick was infected with Lyme disease, and I did get Lyme disease," the singer said. "My symptoms were quite scary because before I was diagnosed, I was on stage very dizzy. I was losing my balance, I was afraid I was gonna fall off the stage…I was having these very, very, very millisecond blackouts, but regularly, every minute or every 30 seconds." Twain expressed her genuine fear that the illness would have a detrimental impact on her career. "My voice was never the same again," she shared. "I thought I’d lose my voice forever. I thought that was it, [and] I would never, ever sing again."

Can Lyme disease return?

Lyme disease can leave behind persistent or recurrent symptoms in some individuals, even after receiving appropriate treatment. This condition is referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Symptoms of PTLDS can include fatigue, joint and muscle aches, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances.

Dr Gabe Mirkin, a longevity expert, highlights an important aspect of Lyme disease, stating that it can be a complex and persistent condition. "The bacteria can invade any tissue in the body — from the muscles to the brain to the vocal cords. Antibiotics can control it for a while, and people generally get better — but the treatment for it is not black and white," he told Radar Online.