A person who attended a recent Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium may have spread measles to others, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The infected individual attended the May 15 concert while infectious and is believed to have exposed those present between 7:30 p.m. on May 15 through 1 a.m. on May 16.
Measles can be highly contagious even after symptoms appear, with an infected person remaining infectious for up to two hours in the air. The state health department advised people who suspect they have measles to seek medical attention immediately.
This incident is part of a larger outbreak in the United States, with over 1,000 confirmed cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of May 16. This year’s outbreak has already surpassed 1,024 cases across at least 30 states, with unvaccinated individuals being disproportionately affected.
The CDC recommends vaccination as the best protection against measles, with two doses providing 97% protection. Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, and blindness.
Public health officials are warning that the US is at a tipping point for the return of endemic measles, urging people to prioritize vaccination to prevent further spread of the disease.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/05/20/shakira-measles-new-jersey-metlife-stadium/83755796007