Health Alert: Possible Measles Mass Exposure

The New Jersey Department of Health has issued a health alert after confirming that an individual infected with measles attended the Shakira concert on Thursday, May 15, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, as part of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour. The event, which brought together over 82,000 attendees, took place between 7:30 p.m. on May 15 and 1:00 a.m. the following day.

The infected person does not reside in New Jersey, which complicates contact tracing efforts. Health authorities warn that measles symptoms may appear as late as June 6 and urge anyone who attended the concert to remain vigilant for signs of infection.

Measles Symptoms:

Initial Phase:

• High fever (sometimes up to 104°F / 40°C)
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Small white spots inside the cheeks (Koplik spots)

Skin Rash:

• Begins on the forehead and spreads to the rest of the body
• Reddish in color, with slightly raised spots

Other Symptoms:

• Sore throat
• General discomfort
• Muscle aches
• Breathing difficulties
• In some cases, diarrhea or vomiting

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the air and can linger in an environment for up to two hours after an infected person has been present. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. So far in 2025, more than 1,000 measles cases have been reported in the United States, with three confirmed deaths.

The Department of Health urges anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility, in order to prevent further spread of the virus. It also emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with the MMR vaccine, which provides approximately 97% protection against measles.