Tens of thousands of concertgoers were possibly exposed to measles at a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford last week, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. A “non-NJ resident” who was recently diagnosed with the highly contagious virus attended the Colombian pop star’s concert on May 15. The health department mentioned that as of Tuesday, there have been no other confirmed measles cases linked to the concert. However, individuals who may have gotten measles from attending the concert, which lasted until 1 a.m. the next day, might experience symptoms as late as June 6.
Health officials explained that measles can spread through the air and may linger in a space for up to two hours after an infected person has left. They encouraged the public to verify their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination status. The two-dose vaccine is considered safe and remains the most effective defense against the virus. Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes, followed by a rash that usually shows up three to five days after symptoms start. Measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, and severe complications for pregnant individuals, including miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight, officials noted.
Videos circulating on social media displayed tens of thousands of people present at the concert. It is just one of the numerous stops on Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after the singer’s twelfth studio album. The stadium has the capacity to accommodate around 50,000 individuals for most concerts, as per its website. Representatives for Shakira and MetLife Stadium did not respond promptly to requests for comments.
The number of measles cases is on the rise nationwide, with 1,024 confirmed cases reported in 2025 as of May 15, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least three deaths have been associated with the virus this year, and 13% of cases have necessitated hospitalization. Measles is no joke, folks, so make sure to keep your vaccinations up to date. If you’re not really sure why this matters, just remember that prevention is key in combating the spread of infectious diseases. Stay safe out there!
So, even though the situation seems a bit concerning, it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you. Measles is a serious illness that can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to check your vaccination status and follow any guidelines provided by health officials. Let’s all do our part in preventing the spread of measles and other infectious diseases to keep ourselves and our communities healthy and safe.
