NEW JERSEY (WPIX) — Health officials in New Jersey have issued a warning that those who attended a recent Shakira concert may have been exposed to measles.
The New Jersey Health Department said a non-New Jersey resident attended MetLife Stadium while infected on Thursday, May 15. The infected individual was in New Jersey from May 15 at 7:30 p.m. EDT until May 16 at 1:00 a.m. EDT.
A person with measles can spread the virus for four days before the rash appears and for four days afterward. Measles spreads easily, and approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals or those who have not had measles will become infected.
Health officials are encouraging those who were at Shakira’s concert to be on the lookout for measles symptoms, which include a rash, fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis.
Even the earliest symptoms could take days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles is airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs.
If infected, the NJ Health Department noted that potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as June 6, 2025.
The agency is also encouraging individuals to ensure they’re up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.
“Anyone who suspects an exposure or illness is urged to call a health care provider BEFORE going to any medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead,” a Tuesday press release said.
No additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified as of Tuesday.
Earlier this month, a positive measles case was detected in a non-New Jersey resident who was traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport. New Jersey health officials said at the time that no associated cases had been reported.
While there is no confirmed outbreak in New Jersey, the U.S. and North America are seeing high measles activity this year — including hundreds sickened by the highly infectious airborne virus in West Texas — and declining rates of people getting the vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.
Overall, the U.S. has seen more than 1,000 measles cases across 30 states since the beginning of the year, and 11 states with outbreaks — defined as three or more related cases. The largest outbreak in the U.S. has been in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. There are also large outbreaks in Mexico and Canada.
The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
Nexstar’s Alix Martichoux and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
