Megadeth Band Member Dave Mustaine Reveals He Tested Positive for Lyme Disease

In a series of tweets on Wednesday, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine revealed he’s tested positive for Lyme disease.

The band recently completed their North American “Crazy World” tour,  after which a fan tweeted Mustaine asking about the transition between touring and being home. Mustaine replied, “i needed to come home. i have a tick bite from the farm that made me really sick for the last few months and I am really tired.”

i needed to come home. i have a tick bite from the farm that made me really sick for the last few months and I am really tired. https://t.co/odV7Y8quDl

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) October 18, 2017

Another fan responded, telling Mustaine to make sure it’s not Lyme disease — a tick-borne illness which can cause long-term health issues — to which Mustaine replied, “that’s what it is.”

that’s what it is. https://t.co/LM1aScrEmK

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) October 18, 2017

Since testing positive for Lyme, Mustaine said he doesn’t believe the test and plans to get a second opinion.

I’m fine. I don’t believe the test, getting a 2nd opinion. I’m still playing w/Ice-T 10/24 & heading to S America 10/26 to finish the tour. https://t.co/TWzLGVWsY1

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) October 23, 2017

Like I said, I have had it for months and I didn’t miss any concerts. I still don’t 100% believe it, but we’re dealing with it. Gracias! https://t.co/calUKNXHgf

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) October 23, 2017

Misdiagnosis is common among the chronic illness community, with Lyme disease tests known to be inaccurate. It is estimated that 56 percent of patients with Lyme disease test negative using the two-tiered testing system recommended by the CDC.

While Mustaine seems to have the opposite problem as those who test negative but believe they are positive, he is facing his current diagnosis with strength and humor.

“I’m feeling fine,” he told fans in a tweet. “I bit the tick in retaliation. He’s even sicker now than I was.”

Thank you. I’m feeling fine. I bit the tick in retaliation. He’s even sicker now than I was. https://t.co/k2RWHTYskl

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) October 23, 2017

Fans flooded Mustaine with supportive messages on Twitter, offering both well wishes and advice for dealing with Lyme.

Be very careful with that. It is a very serious disease. Wishing you a speedy recovery Dave.

— ???? Diane ???????? (@kitawny24) October 18, 2017

Having dealt with it before, make sure your doc is checking for coinfections. Some don't. Wont fully heal if you're not attacking everything

— Mattasaurus Rex (@mattyb429) October 22, 2017

Twitter user Joel Quest told Mustaine he also struggled with Lyme, “but got thru it by keeping a good attitude and of course METAL!”

Lymes made me feel 85 years old for a while…weak body and memory sucked! but I got thru it by keeping a good attitude and of course METAL!

— Joel Quest (@JoelQuest) October 23, 2017

In true form, the heavy metal musician responded, “Yeah. That’s about right. But the show must go on! I’ve been beaten up, beaten down, ridden hard & put away wet AND I still tour my ass off!”

Yeah. That’s about right. But the show must go on! I’ve been beaten up, beaten down, ridden hard & put away wet AND I still tour my ass off! https://t.co/t1W1vtcEzf

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) October 23, 2017