Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure at Shakira MetLife Concert

New Jersey health officials have issued a warning after confirming a measles case involving an attendee at Shakira’s May 15 concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Anyone present at the venue between 7:30 p.m. on May 15 and 1:00 a.m. on May 16 may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

The New Jersey Department of Health announced Tuesday that the infected individual was a “non-NJ resident” who attended the Colombian pop star’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour performance while contagious. Health officials warn that potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as June 6.

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Tens of Thousands Potentially Exposed

The concert, which drew an estimated 55,000 fans to the sold-out stadium, presents a significant public health concern due to the highly transmissible nature of the measles virus. According to health officials, measles can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in a space for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know,” said a New Jersey Department of Health spokesperson. “On average, one infected person may infect about 15 other people if they’re not protected through vaccination.”

As of Tuesday, no additional measles cases related to the concert have been reported. However, health officials are urging vigilance, especially among unvaccinated individuals who attended the performance, according to People.

Symptoms and Precautions

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically appears between three and five days after initial symptoms begin. The rash usually starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.

In more severe cases, measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. It can also lead to miscarriage in pregnant individuals, premature birth, or low birth weight in newborns.

Health officials are advising anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to call their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility. “It’s important not to simply show up at a doctor’s office or emergency department without calling ahead, as this could potentially expose others,” the health department stated on its website.

Vaccination Remains Best Protection

The New Jersey Department of Health emphasized that vaccination is the best protection against measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection against the disease.

“We’re urging everyone, especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers, to be aware of measles symptoms and ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccinations,” said the health department in its public alert, according to Gothamist.

Those most at risk include individuals who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles previously. Health officials note that people born before 1957 are generally considered immune because measles was so widespread before the vaccine was introduced in 1963 that most people were exposed to it, resulting in natural immunity.

Rising Measles Cases Nationwide

The potential exposure comes amid a concerning rise in measles cases across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,024 confirmed measles cases had been reported in 2025 as of May 15 — a significant increase from recent years.

At least three deaths have been linked to the virus this year, and approximately 13% of cases have required hospitalization. Public health experts attribute the rise to declining vaccination rates, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most states are now below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners — the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks. Health officials continue to stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of this preventable disease.

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