Shakira Concert May Have Exposed Thousands to Measles, What do Health Officials Say?
Shakira Concert May Have Exposed Thousands to Measles, What do Health Officials Say?
No confirmed cases yet, but health alert issued after infected person attended MetLife show
Health officials have issued a measles exposure alert for thousands of fans who attended Shakira’s concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on May 15. The alert was announced on May 20 by the New Jersey Department of Health, after it was confirmed that an infected individual was present at the venue from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. the following morning.
As part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, Shakira’s back-to-back concert drew tens of thousands of fans to the stadium, which has a concert capacity of around 50,000. Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, health officials are concerned that the virus may have spread among attendees. Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making large indoor gatherings especially risky.
So far, no new measles cases linked to the concert have been reported. However, symptoms can take 7 to 14 days to appear, meaning June 6 is the last possible day for exposed individuals to develop signs of infection. Authorities are urging anyone who was at MetLife during the specified timeframe to monitor their health and contact medical professionals if symptoms arise.
What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC, measles symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash (typically appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms)
Measles spreads through coughing and sneezing and is especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.
Around the same time, another measles exposure was reported at Newark Liberty International Airport, where an infected traveler passed through Terminal B between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. There is no known connection between the airport case and the Shakira concert case.
Meanwhile, Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 20 years, with 722 cases, 92 hospitalizations, and 2 child deaths reported. The outbreak reportedly began in a community with low vaccination rates.
The U.S. was declared measles-free in 2000, but rising vaccine hesitancy has put that status at risk. With declining immunization rates, public health officials are on high alert to prevent a nationwide resurgence.
What should concertgoers do?
If you attended the concert:
- Check your vaccination status (specifically the MMR vaccine)
- Watch for symptoms until June 6
- Contact your doctor if you feel unwell or are unsure about your immunity
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks of diseases once thought to be under control.
