Alert After the Show: Measles Case at Shakira Concert Triggers Health Warning in New Jersey
By Alejandra Legarda – Health Journalist | Al Día News

A vibrant concert ended with a health alert. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) issued a measles exposure advisory after an infected individual attended Shakira’s concert at MetLife Stadium on May 15 and 16, 2025. The incident has raised alarms among public health authorities, concerned about a potential outbreak among the thousands of fans who gathered at the event.

According to the official NJDOH statement, the confirmed case involves a non-resident of the state, but the risk of virus transmission remains significant. Measles, a highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease, can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours. “Anyone who is unvaccinated or has never had measles could develop symptoms between now and June 6,” warned state epidemiologist Christina Tan (NJ.gov, 2025).

Initial symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. The virus incubation period ranges from 7 to 21 days post-exposure, making this alert relevant for several weeks after the concert.

This warning aligns with a troubling national trend: measles cases are resurging in the U.S., partly due to declining vaccination rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 160 cases have been reported in at least 17 states so far in 2025—surpassing recent annual figures (CDC, 2025). Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but immunization gaps have allowed the disease to reemerge.

The NJDOH urges all concert attendees to review their vaccination history, especially their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization status. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to contact a healthcare provider immediately and avoid contact with others.

This episode serves as a reminder that, even after the curtain falls, public health vigilance must remain center stage.

Sources:

• New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), May 2025

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2025 measles case report

• World Health Organization (WHO), measles fact sheet