Measles Infection Warning Issued After Shakira Concert

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:27 pm

Measles Exposure Warning Issued After Shakira Concert in New Jersey

New Jersey health officials are urging concertgoers to be vigilant after a person infected with measles attended a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on May 15th. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced that anyone present at the stadium between 7:30 p.m. on May 15th and 1:00 a.m. on May 16th may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Measles spreads easily through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Symptoms, which typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. The NJDOH emphasizes the importance of checking vaccination status and monitoring for symptoms, as measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The infected individual was from out of state. As of May 20th, no associated cases had been reported. However, the NJDOH is acting out of an abundance of caution, given the recent rise in measles cases nationwide, including a significant outbreak in Texas. The CDC reported 1,024 confirmed measles cases across the country as of May 15th, with 15 outbreaks reported this year.

The NJDOH advises anyone suspecting exposure or illness to contact their healthcare provider *before* visiting a medical facility. They also urge parents, guardians, healthcare providers, and caregivers to be aware of measles symptoms and ensure they are up-to-date with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The NJDOH is coordinating with local healthcare providers to facilitate early detection and response, with potential symptom onset as late as June 6th.

Keywords: Measles, Shakira concert, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, NJDOH, measles exposure, measles symptoms, MMR vaccine, measles outbreak, concertgoers, public health, highly contagious, cough, fever, rash, vaccination, CDC, East Rutherford, health warning

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