Justin Timberlake has Lyme disease. Here's how likely you are to get it in AZ

It might start with a walk in the woods and end with a bullseye on your skin. Lyme disease may sound like something out of a spy thriller, but it's a very real, very sneaky illness carried by ticks.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi , transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.

It's in the news right now because on July 31, singer Justin Timberlake revealed he had a debilitating case of Lyme disease .

Lyme disease often begins with flulike symptoms and a distinctive bull's-eye rash. If left untreated, it can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system.

Each year, about 476,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease, making it the most common tick-borne illness in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control .  

Here is everything to know about Lyme disease, from how it's spread to what recovery looks like.

What are the odds of getting Lyme disease from a tick?

The odds of getting Lyme disease from a tick bite depend on several factors, but overall, the risk is relatively low, especially if the tick is removed promptly.

Here's a breakdown:

• Not all ticks carry Lyme disease: Only deer ticks transmit Lyme disease and, even in high-risk areas, anywhere from fewer than 1 in 100 to more than half of the ticks are infected with it, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine .

• Attachment time matters: The tick typically needs to be attached for at least 36 to 48 hours to transmit the Lyme bacteria. Removing a tick early greatly reduces the risk.

• Geography counts: Risk is much higher in certain parts of the U.S., including the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest. In Arizona, the odds are extremely low.

Can you get Lyme disease without a tick bite?

You cannot get Lyme disease without a tick bite. It doesn't spread person to person, through air or water, or from pets to humans. In very rare cases, Lyme may potentially be passed through blood transfusions or from a pregnant person to their baby, but these instances are extremely uncommon, according to the CDC .

What to know: This Arizona researcher wants you to send her your ticks. It's for a good cause

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in humans?

Lyme disease affects the body in stages, and its symptoms can vary widely depending on how early it's detected.

In the early stage, three to 30 days after a tick bite, Lyme disease often causes fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and a hallmark red bullseye-shaped rash, according to Medline Plus . If treated with antibiotics at this stage, most people recover fully.

If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to the joints, nervous system and heart. This can lead to more serious symptoms like severe headaches, neck stiffness, facial paralysis, swollen joints and irregular heartbeat.

Over time, Lyme disease can trigger long-lasting issues like chronic joint pain, memory problems and fatigue even after treatment.

Is Lyme disease 100% curable?

Lyme disease is highly treatable and usually curable, especially when caught early.

However, symptoms can linger even after treatment. This is known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and it can cause fatigue, pain or cognitive issues for months. The exact cause of PTLDS isn't fully understood.

Can Lyme disease go away on its own?

Lyme disease rarely goes away on its own . While some people may have mild symptoms that seem to improve without treatment, the infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria can persist and spread in the body if left untreated.

Even if symptoms fade temporarily, the bacteria can remain active in the body, so it's important to seek medical attention if you suspect a tick bite or experience symptoms such as a rash, fever or muscle aches.

What is the treatment for Lyme disease?

The primary treatment for Lyme disease is a course of antibiotics, which is most effective when started early. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil, usually taken for two to four weeks, depending on the stage and severity of the disease, according to the CDC .

For early Lyme disease, oral antibiotics are typically sufficient to clear the infection. In more severe cases, such as those involving the nervous system, heart or joints, IV antibiotics may be necessary.

Along with antibiotics, doctors may recommend rest and symptom management, such as pain relievers for joint or muscle aches. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve early, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Can I recover from Lyme disease?

Yes, you can recover from Lyme disease, especially if it's caught early and treated with the appropriate antibiotics . Most people who receive treatment in the early stages of the disease recover fully within a few weeks.

If treatment is delayed, recovery may take longer and symptoms can be more severe.

The keys to a smooth recovery are early detection, proper treatment and follow-up care. If you think you've been exposed to ticks, it's important to see a doctor right away.

What is the best way to recover from Lyme disease?

Recovering from Lyme disease involves more than just taking antibiotics; it also means giving your body the time and support it needs to heal fully.

The first step is to complete your prescribed treatment . Early treatment is highly effective for most people, and finishing the full course of antibiotics is key.

During recovery, rest is essential. Many people experience fatigue, joint pain or brain fog even after treatment ends, so it's important to listen to your body. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Gentle physical activity like walking or stretching can help, but pacing is crucial. It may take time for inflammation to subside and for your body to return to normal.

Everyone's recovery is different, but most people return to full health.

Does Lyme disease stay for life?

Many people recover fully from Lyme disease, especially when the disease is caught early and treated promptly. For them, symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.

However, others may experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, joint pain or brain fog. Some individuals may deal with lasting effects that require ongoing symptom management.

What happens if Lyme disease goes untreated?

If Lyme disease goes untreated , it can lead to serious and sometimes long-term health issues. In the early stages, people may experience fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a distinctive bull's-eye rash.

If not treated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Over time, it may cause Lyme arthritis, often in the knees; facial paralysis; memory problems; and even heart rhythm issues. Some people report persistent fatigue and cognitive difficulties months after infection.

The good news? When caught early, Lyme disease is usually very treatable. That's why recognizing symptoms and seeking care promptly are so important.

Can you get Lyme disease in Arizona?

Yes, it is possible — but very rare — to get Lyme disease in Arizona. Most confirmed Lyme disease cases in Arizona are believed to have been acquired during travel to more affected regions, such as the Northeast, Midwest or Pacific Northwest.

While some ticks in Arizona can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever or tick-borne relapsing fever, Lyme disease is not considered a major public health concern in the state.

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Is Lyme disease common in Arizona?

Lyme disease is not common in Arizona.

According to the CDC , states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin and Massachusetts report thousands of cases each year. Arizona typically sees only a handful annually.

The main reason? The black-legged deer tick, which spreads Lyme disease, doesn't thrive in Arizona's hot, dry climate.

Does Phoenix, AZ have ticks?

Yes, Phoenix does have ticks . The most common is the brown dog tick, which thrives in warm urban areas and can even complete its full life cycle indoors, often infesting homes, kennels or garages

In certain higher-elevation or vegetated areas, you'll also find the Rocky Mountain wood tick, which can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever.

Less commonly, the Western black-legged tick has been documented in pockets of northern Arizona, particularly in wooded highland areas. This species can carry Borrelia bacteria, which causes Lyme disease.

Though there aren't as many ticks in metro Phoenix as in wetter, more wooded regions of Arizona, urban residents do report finding ticks, especially on pets.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at  Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com . Follow  @tiffsario  on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What happens when you get Lyme disease? What to look for