Danish musician and author Benjamin Koppel has been forced to cancel upcoming performances and literary engagements after contracting neuroborreliosis, a form of Lyme disease. Koppel announced his diagnosis in an Instagram post, which featured a photo of a tick.

Cowbell, Koppel’s company, confirmed on Facebook that all of his events scheduled for September have been canceled or postponed until further notice. The company stated that Koppel is eager to return to performing as soon as his health permits.

Neuroborreliosis, as explained by the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through tick bites. Approximately 180 cases are registered each year in Denmark.

Koppel, 51, is known for his work as a saxophonist and composer, having released nearly 70 albums. In recent years, he has also gained recognition as an author. His debut novel, “Annas sang,” became a bestseller in 2022, selling over 125,000 copies and winning multiple awards. In the spring, Koppel received De Gyldne Laurbær book prize for his novel “Sommerfuglens stemme”.

Symptoms of neuroborreliosis include headache, radiating nerve pain, and muscle paralysis, often affecting the face. The SSI notes that the disease is most commonly diagnosed between July and September and occurs most frequently in children aged 5-10 and adults aged 60-70. The condition is not contagious between humans.